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Jackson6612 Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

If "a" and/or "b" are zero or negative...

Should I use "are" or "is" below? Would interchanging the position of "and" and "or" affect the choice of using "are" or "is"?

If "a" and/or "b" are zero or negative...
If "a" or/and "b" are zero or negative...

Please guide me. Thanks.
  

Top answer

Good question. First, the order cannot be reversed: it is set as ' and/or '. However, I can see no particular rationale for either a singular or plural verb, and I suspect that either (or neither) will satisfy everyone.

— Mister Micawber

  • Good question.
  • First, the order cannot be reversed: it is set as ' and/or '.
  • However, I can see no particular rationale for either a singular or plural verb, and I suspect that either (or neither) will satisfy everyone.
  • My own first reaction was 'are'.
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2 Answers
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Good question. First, the order cannot be reversed: it is set as 'and/or'. However, I can see no particular rationale for either a singular or plural verb, and I suspect that either (or neither) will satisfy everyone. My own first reaction was 'are'.
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Mister MicawberGood question. First, the order cannot be reversed: it is set as 'and/or'. However, I can see no particular rationale for either a singular or plural verb, and I suspect that either (or neither) will satisfy everyone. My own first reaction was 'are'.
Thank you, Mr Micawber.
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