"Peter and Paul working together makes finishing the job a piece of cake"

[RobWeg]

Is the sentence "Peter and Paul working together makes finishing the job a piece of cake!" correct?
Someone suggested that "Peter and Paul working together make finishing the job a piece of cake!" is.
But I think because it is not "Peter and Paul" who make it "a peace of cake", but "working together", it has to be "makes". Because one would say "It makes finishing the job a piece of cake!" or am I wrong?

Thanks,
Robert

 

[GoesStation]

Re: "Peter and Paul working together makes finishing the job a piece of cake"

Suppose the subject were their working together. Would you use a singular or plural verb?

 

[RobWeg]

Re: "Peter and Paul working together makes finishing the job a piece of cake"

In my opinion, the subject is in fact "their working together". Because the sentence would have the same meaning if it would read "Working together makes finishing the job a piece of cake."
And I would use "makes".

 

[RobWeg]

Re: "Peter and Paul working together makes finishing the job a piece of cake"

As I cant believe this question is that difficult that it will remain the only unanswered question here, maybe someone could tell me what the problem with the question is or what I did wrong? That would be great.

 

[Rover_KE]

Re: "Peter and Paul working together makes finishing the job a piece of cake"

Two moderators have Liked your post, which is your clue that your post #3 is correct.

We often give students a hint about how to work out the answer for themselves rather than give out free answers straight away,

GoesStation did that, and you responded correctly.

 

[RobWeg]

Re: "Peter and Paul working together makes finishing the job a piece of cake"

O.k. then, thanks. I have no problem with being helped finding my own answer, rather than getting one. But I don't see the necessity for being so subtle. Seems to me it just causes confusion with forum newbies like me and in consequence the necessity of having to explain it.

 

[GoesStation]

Re: "Peter and Paul working together makes finishing the job a piece of cake"

O.k. then, thanks. I have no problem with being helped finding my own answer, rather than getting one. But I don't see the necessity for being so subtle. Seems to me it just causes confusion with forum newbies like me and in consequence the necessity of having to explain it.

Sorry. If I'd remembered you were a new member, I certainly would have taken a moment to write a proper reply. For future reference, when you post text and ask whether it's right, "Likes" from moderators and experienced members are equivalent to positive answers.