is / are
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is / are
See this sentence:
"There are a bat and a ball in the box."
Shouldn't it be IS a bat and a ball?
If yes, why?
Thanks.
"There are a bat and a ball in the box."
Shouldn't it be IS a bat and a ball?
If yes, why?
Thanks.
is/are
grammarman is correct in his thinking. The word is the only word which can be used correctly in this sentence for a few reasons:
- 1. The words bat and ball are in the singular form. We cannot say there are a bat or there are a ball
2. The use of the conjunction and in the sentence serves to separate two different items. Regardless of there being more than one item, are cannot be used.
3. Unless something changes in the sentence to create a need for using are, i.e. the singular form of one or both words is changed to the plural, then is can be the only correct word of choice.
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What about "There is a pen and two books on the desk.", vs "There are a pen and two books on the desk."?
I have asked an American graduate of English (however it was many years ago he graduated) and he is 90% certain it is "There are ...", however using this site and according to a Chinese text book, it appears to be "There is...".
Thank you for any response.
I have asked an American graduate of English (however it was many years ago he graduated) and he is 90% certain it is "There are ...", however using this site and according to a Chinese text book, it appears to be "There is...".
Thank you for any response.
Using "are" correctly...
Nice discussion...
The only way to make are appropriate to this sentence is by changing the word structure in the sentence.
:D
The only way to make are appropriate to this sentence is by changing the word structure in the sentence.
- First Sentence "There are a bat and a ball in the box." Are is incorrect because of its position in the sentence. It is being used to refer to separate, individual items in the singular form.
Second Sentence "A bat and a ball are in the box." Are is now in the correct position in the sentence. It is refering to the same two separate items, BUT they are now a plural of items mentioned as a grouping. This makes the use of are correct.
- "There are a pen and two books on the desk."
:D
Re: Using "are" correctly...
A good topic. Thanks anyway.
Keep in touch.
Keep in touch.
Re: Using "are" correctly...
No problem. I was scouring through some grammar books, using the internet and was not satisfied with the information given on this topic.shlee wrote:I checked out jasminade's reference to the eliptical form, and it is actually refering to a different grammatical use. Not trying to play the devil's advocate here, but unless some recent change in the rules of grammar has taken place, these are the only options you have for this sentence...Nice discussion
:D
I am wondering if you might be able to recommend some books on this, both for my any our school.
Thanks.
No probelm...
Please excuse me, I hope I didn't come across too abrasively. That was certainly not my intention, I apologize to you jasminade
I will post a list of a couple of good references in the next day or so when I have some free time. thanks for the request, and once again accept my warmest apologies...
I will post a list of a couple of good references in the next day or so when I have some free time. thanks for the request, and once again accept my warmest apologies...
Re: No probelm...
I have taken no offence whatsoever and I look forward to your reply regarding reference material. :lol:shlee wrote:Please excuse me, I hope I didn't come across too abrasively. That was certainly not my intention, I apologize to you jasminade
I will post a list of a couple of good references in the next day or so when I have some free time. thanks for the request, and once again accept my warmest apologies...