Agreement

Do you really mean 'say'?

We have this sort of question a lot. Whenever the verb is set to agree with the complement/predicate instead of the subject (at least when written), it seems awkward, though I don't think it's wrong. I always suggest re-casting.

Thanks, MrM. (I guess I'm subconsciously emulating Vincent's style.)
Going strictly by ear, the singular seems more natural than the plural.
But I agree that avoiding it is a good idea!

- A.

AvangiGoing strictly by ear, the singular seems more natural than the plural.

Just an aside: I have recently been trying to be very observant of the language I hear daily, especially with respect to this sort of thing, as well as to the present/past choice. It is absolutely unbelievable (to me, anyway) how indiscriminately people choose between 'is', 'are',

CalifJim I have recently been trying to be very observant of the language I hear daily

A worthy, laudable, and daunting task!

This is correct. It would have to be "is," since "combination" is singular. However, it's a little confusing, because the words "orange" and "egg" have the sense of food (moreover, "orange" is a very strong word in English), and "favorite" is often associated with food, so it would be better to put "robin's egg blue" first, as it can only mean a color; also, reversing the order of "color" and "c

And a disproportionate number of announcers on TV and radio are guilty.

CalifJimAnd these are

My intuition seems to go with " is".

Thanks to all of you for the replies! - A.