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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

In plural or in the singular?

Hi. Please tell me whether the verbs in the following sentences should be in plural or in the singular? For no. 1, aren't we talking about two numbers, one in the triangle and another in the square? For no. 2, aren't we talking about two things, what he does and what he say?

1. Check if the number in the triangle and in the square is (are?) the same.
2. Whatever he does or whatever he say isn't (aren't?) good.
  

Top answer

1. Check if the number s in the triangle and in the square are the same. You need the plural "numbers" because there are two to compare.

  • 1.
  • Check if the number s in the triangle and in the square are the same.
  • You need the plural "numbers" because there are two to compare.
  • An alternative: Check if the number in the triangle and the number in the square are the same.
  • 2.
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5 Answers
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1. Check if the numbers in the triangle and in the square are the same. You need the plural "numbers" because there are two to compare.
An alternative: Check if the number in the triangle and the number in the square are the same.

2. Whatever he does or whatever he says isn't good.
When you have a compound subject with the conjunctio
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Hi. Thank you. After posting my questions, I realized the second sentence should have the conjunction "and" instead of "or." I then tried to find some help online or on my own as to what the verb should be, "is" or "are," but couldn't really get a good answer.

Could you please tell me what the verb should be, "is" or "are"? I think if the sentence were written "Whatever he does or says is
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2. Whatever he does and whatever he says aren't good. Note: This is a very awkward sentence.

The structure is:
A and B aren't good.
A isn't good.
You can use whatever noun equivalent you want for A and B. The conjunction and requires a plural verb.

[When he leaves] and [where he goes] are never revealed.
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Thank you again. Why do you think the following are supposed to have different verbs, one in plural and the other in the singular, if I'm not mistaken? I believe both sentences mention two things: "whatever he does" and "whatever he says." Thank you in advance for your help.

1. Whatever he does and whatever he says aren't good.
2. Whatever he does and says isn't good.
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Anonymous[1. Whatever he does] and [2. whatever he says] aren't good.
Two main elements joined by "and".
Anonymous[1. Whatever] he (does and says) isn't good.
One main element without "and" (whatever). Two subordinate elements with a different subject (he). Subordinate elements do not participate in agreement

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