are or is after plural but prior to singular

Question

Which sentence is correct in this case?

Class conflict and class exploitation are the prime moving force in history of mankind

Class conflict and class exploitation is the prime moving force in history of mankind?

This question is basically the reverse of Agreement in “{Singular Noun} Is/Are {Plural Noun}”? As with that question, you are supposed to make the verb agree with the subject. — herisson, May 14 '18 at 22:14
You could improve your English by avoiding "prior to" when "before" will work. Familiar, short, Anglo-Saxon. — David, May 15 '18 at 18:31

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered May 14 '18 at 16:14

1

I would say "are the prime moving forces (plural)...". Your subject is two things. I would also say "the history" and "humankind" rather than "mankind". :)

answered May 14 '18 at 16:14

Brenda

250

I agree with Brenda about the grammar ("are" and "the prime") of the sentences. – tautophile May 14 '18 at 17:04
Better still, “... in human history,”. But the objection to “mankind” was worth making. – Tuffy May 14 '18 at 20:17

are or is after plural but prior to singular

1 Answers1