I have the sentence "It seems that stealing and selling pedigree pets # a lucrative and worthwhile business." and my question is, if I should put "is" or "are" as a verb?
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The sentence structure is X and Y # Z where # represents the copula. There is a reasoned answer at the other question. However, if something still is not clear, edit this question to explain what that is. – Andrew Leach Oct 26 '14 at 14:00
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Actually, I don't find those explanations very helpful. We have there a typical principle of proximity and the number of second conjoin determines the form of the verb. So please, tell me if I should use "is" or "are" in my sentence. – Oct 26 '14 at 14:15
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Please edit your question to explain how the other answer cannot be applied to it. Perhaps you're thinking that "stealing and selling" is a single operation? – Andrew Leach Oct 26 '14 at 14:21
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1Yes, I treat "stealing and selling" as a single operation and subject at the same time. – Oct 26 '14 at 14:25
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Since you treat "stealing and selling" as a single operation (and more tellingly, as a single *subject*), why would you consider the possibility of using a plural verb form? – FumbleFingers Oct 26 '14 at 14:40
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Ok. I'll use "is" then. Thank you. – Oct 26 '14 at 14:43