General Question

pallen123's avatar

Which is grammatically correct? Are or is?

Asked by pallen123 (1519points) December 29th, 2013

I’m not which whether to use “is” or “are” here. And what’s the rule? Thanks!

The size and cost of parts (are/is) dropping.

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7 Answers

CWOTUS's avatar

The plural form “are” is correct here.

Since two things are dropping, both “size” and “cost”, then those things “are” dropping.

gailcalled's avatar

Eliminate “of parts,” which is a modifier and try the simplified version; “The size and cost are dropping.”

However, I am not sure what “the size of parts is dropping” would mean. Those particular parts are being made in smaller sizes ?

BosM's avatar

In English make sure verbs and subjects agree – singular subjects have singular verbs and plural subjects have plural verbs. Sentences with two subjects joined by and take a plural verb, even if each of the two subjects is singular.

flutherother's avatar

You could rephrase it. ‘Parts are getting smaller and cheaper” for example.

SadieMartinPaul's avatar

The size of parts is dropping. (singular)
The and cost of parts are dropping. (plural)

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