0
Anonymous Posted 8 years ago
Grammar

Plural "becoming" singular after "are"?

What is the rule with a plural noun or two nouns that precede "are" in a sentence. Is it acceptable to write, "The research reports are the ultimate companion to the analyst.", or would it need to be "companions"?

Another example that seems to be ok is two nouns becoming a collective noun: "Steven and Paul are a good team." Is this even grammatically correct?, or should it be "make a good team"?


Thanks!

  

Top answer

A plural subject may pair with a singular complement. The verb agrees with the subject, not with the complement. anonymous The research reports are the ultimate companion to the analyst.

  • A plural subject may pair with a singular complement.
  • The verb agrees with the subject, not with the complement.
  • anonymous The research reports are the ultimate companion to the analyst.
  • Correct.
  • anonymous Steven and Paul are a good team.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0

A plural subject may pair with a singular complement.
The verb agrees with the subject, not with the complement.

anonymousThe research reports are the ultimate companion to the analyst.

Correct.

anonymousSteven and Paul are a good team.

Correct.

('make a good team' is also correct.)

CJ

Related Questions