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Anonymous Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

two uncountables together, single or plural?

When two uncountable nouns link together by 'and', should I use a 'singular' or 'plural' verb in sentences such as below:

1. Language proficiency and creativity are/is essential for this job

2. There is/are follow-up discussion and correspondence after the meeting.

Thanks for your help.

Echo
  

Top answer

It doesn't matter what kind of nouns they are. Linkage by and means the plural should be used. The exception is when the two taken together are normally considered a unit.

— CalifJim

  • It doesn't matter what kind of nouns they are.
  • Linkage by and means the plural should be used.
  • The exception is when the two taken together are normally considered a unit.
  • ( Peanut butter and jelly is a tasty combination.
  • ) CJ
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7 Answers
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It doesn't matter what kind of nouns they are. Linkage by and means the plural should be used.

The exception is when the two taken together are normally considered a unit. (Peanut butter and jelly is a tasty combination.)

CJ
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How about informal writing, Calif ?
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So do you mean that the two sentences I wrote on my previous messages should both in plural, viz:

1. Language proficiency and creativity are essential for this job

2. There are follow-up discussion and correspondence after the meeting.

Thanks for your help.

Echo
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Hi Anon

Yes, the verbs should be in the plural.
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So do you mean that the two sentences I wrote on my previous messages should both in plural
Yes. That's right.

CJ
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Hmmm....I would say, "There was follow-up discussion and correspondence after the meeting,"

"There were follow-up discussion and correspondence after the meeting" definitely doesn't sound right to me.
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AnonymousHmmm....I would say, "There was follow-up discussion and correspondence after the meeting," (This is the BrE way.)

"There were follow-up discussion and correspondence after the meeting" definitely doesn't sound right to me. (AmE allows both 'was' and 'were'.)
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