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When do we use a collection of uncountable nouns? Which form of the verb should we use? Singular or plural?

E.g.:

  1. "Water and milk is/are essential."
  2. "Courage and bravery is/are slightly different."
Peter Mortensen
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심재욱
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2 Answers2

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When there are multiple things use the plural form:

  • Water is essential.

  • Milk is essential.

  • Water and milk are essential.

  • Courage and bravery are slightly different.

Aidan
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Water and milk is/are essential.

There are two different meanings here.

  1. Water and milk are essential. This means that we die (or suffer) unless we have both water and milk available separately.

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  1. Water and milk is essential. This says that a mixture of water and milk is essential.

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Courage and bravery is/are slightly different.

  1. Courage and bravery are slightly different. This has the obvious meaning that the two qualities are not exactly the same.

  2. Courage and bravery is slightly different. This seems to have no meaning - different to what???

chasly - supports Monica
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