plural with 'is'?

[bertietheblue]

I've just picked up the Guardian and read this:

'Ashley Cole's pace and attack down the flank is key'

Fine? Should be 'are'? Either, with slightly different meanings?

 

[corum]

I've just picked up the Guardian and read this:

'Ashley Cole's pace and attack down the flank is key'

Fine? Should be 'are'? Either, with slightly different meanings?

If I trim the subject, I get this:

[STRIKE]Ashley Cole's[/STRIKE] pace and attack [STRIKE]down the flank[/STRIKE].

Usually, a compound NP (noun phrase) (in subject position) assigns plural number to its verb. When, however, the compound is treated as one, singular is okay.

 

[corum]

The hustle and bustle of this city attracts me.

 

[bertietheblue]

If I trim the subject, I get this:

[STRIKE]Ashley Cole's[/STRIKE] pace and attack [STRIKE]down the flank[/STRIKE].

Usually, a compound NP (noun phrase) (in subject position) assigns plural number to its verb. When, however, the compound is treated as one, singular is okay.

Yeah, I gave a bad example for the answer to be 'either, or - it depends on the meaning'. I was thinking what if, for example, 'pace' meant general pace and not pace down the flank? But then you wouldn't say 'Ashley Cole's attack down the flank'; you'd have to say 'Ashley Cole's attacks down the flank', making the plural necessary.

 

[corum]

it depends on the meaning'.

:up:

You like football?

 

[bertietheblue]

:up:

You like football?

Well, let's just say I'm lucky enough to work at home. Standards might drop while the World Cup is on!

 

[corum]

Well, let's just say I'm lucky enough to work at home. Standards might drop while the World Cup is on!

Same here.

 

[bertietheblue]

I take it you're not supporting an English-speaking country, not that I'd have known from your amazing command of the language!

 

[corum]

At club level, the best football is played in Spain, Italy, and England. Football anywhere else is satirical mimicry.
At national level, I think Spain, Germany, and Brazil will be the top three. I will be rooting for the best team. May the best man (or team) win -- that is what I say.

 

[bertietheblue]

May [STRIKE]the best man (or team)[/STRIKE] England win -- that is what I say.

:-D
Bertie

 

[corum]

:-D
Bertie

So be it! ;-)