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Suppose I want to describe "work" or types of work on a school.  Do I use "is" or "are" in these situations?

  1. The proposed renovation and rehabilitation of the school is subject to strict design limitations.

    or

    The proposed renovation and rehabilitation of the school are subject to strict design limitations.

  1. The proposed rehabilitation and revitalization work on the school is subject to strict design limitations.

    or

    The proposed rehabilitation and revitalization work on the school are subject to strict design limitations.

I think that terms like "rehabilitation", "revitalization", "construction" and similar "-ion" words are uncountable and therefore take a singular verb.  When they are joined with an "and", I suppose the plural verb makes more sense, but it doesn't sound "right."  If they are replaced with countable (non-abstract) nouns such as "door" or "window", it's much easier:

The proposed door and window of the school are subject to strict design limitations.

I'm actually even more interested in the answer to my second example – "rehabilitation and revitalization work at the school is/are" – because I find it a bit more challenging.  "Work" is also uncountable – is "rehabilitation and revitalization" just an adjective phrase that modifies "work" or is [are] "rehabilitation work" and "revitalization work" separate things, so that when they are joined by "and" they become plural subjects?

Scott - Слава Україні
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    Welcome! Just to show that you've done some initial thought or research, what do you think about the options? – Andy Bonner Nov 04 '21 at 19:49
  • Yes, with rather fuzzy coordinations, and the availability of logical as well as formal concord, things can get tricky. In (2), there's also the problem of deciding between [A and B][work] and [A] and [B work]. I'd choose 'is' in (1) (cf Bacon and eggs is my favourite breakfast; Health and safety is our primary concern ...) but not worry at all if someone else preferred 'are' (in your case!) // In (2), the ambiguity complicates. Either verb form is possible. – Edwin Ashworth Nov 11 '21 at 14:01

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