Re: is/are error in Presidential concession speech?

Oleg Lego <rat@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

On Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:06:08 -0800 (PST), janetjet49@xxxxxxxxx posted:

Hi,

I was just watching tv news, and couldn't help but notice a replay of
Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney's Florida concession speech. He
said the following:
-----
Freedom and opportunity is just like the air; it was everywhere I
went.
---------

I was just curious if the use of "is" is actually correct there?
Shouldn't it be "are" as "freedom and opportunity" combined make for a
plural subject and thus "are" would be most appropriate? Why is the
usage of "is" preferable?

If they are "combined", the subject is singular, and the verb is "is".

Sex and violence is rampant in TV programming.

So you're saying that sex and violence go together like salt and pepper?

Hmmm.

But, say, "Sex and stupidity are rampant in TV programming"?

"Sex and mindless violence are rampant in TV programming"?

How would you explain to people how they can tell if a compound subject
is "combined" or not?
--

Best -- Donna Richoux
.

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