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Anonymous Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

Singular or plural

Singular or plural in this sentence:

"The main issue in this area is/are the estimates."

I can't decide whether "estimates" or "main issue" is the subject.

Any help appreciated.

Tor
  

Top answer

Main issue is the subject. The main issue is the estimates. If you wish to avoid the awkwardness, rephrase to something like: The main issue is the set of estimates.

— Mister Micawber

  • Main issue is the subject.
  • The main issue is the estimates.
  • If you wish to avoid the awkwardness, rephrase to something like: The main issue is the set of estimates.
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2 Answers
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Main issue is the subject. The main issue is the estimates.

If you wish to avoid the awkwardness, rephrase to something like: The main issue is the set of estimates.
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"The main issue" is the subject, so the verb will be in the singular. If you reverse the sentence, it will be in the plural: "the estimates are the main issue".

Sorry, MM, I hadn't heard you!
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