[JahJahBinks]

Which of these two is correct:

"What is the length and width of this card?"

"What are the length and width of this card?"

 

[chadbang]

Every rule I know would tell me "B." I hope this isn't a trick question.

 

[ameyer17]

I say the first one, but who the **** knows.

 

[iancraig10]

What IS the length (and what IS the width)... card ....

What ARE the lengths ...... cards ....

 

[Zorander]

I believe it's "B" too.

 

[Zorander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iancraig10 What IS the length (and what IS the width)... card .... What ARE the lengths ...... cards ....

There is only one card in question.

 

[Zorander]

You edited your post when I pressed the Quote button!

 

[iancraig10]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zorander There is only one card in question.

It's talking about length or lengths. In this case the length = IS

or am I wrong?

 

[iancraig10]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zorander You edited your post when I pressed the Quote button!

I know ... it's got me thinking.

Americanism? (like - you don't got one - I've heard that said)

Ian

 

[catachresis]

Okay, grammar is pretty definite. Here's the definitive answer.

'To Be' is a linking verb, expressing identity.

Reverse the sequence to see what the subject is:

"The length and width [prep. phrase - doesn't count: of this card] are what?"

The subject is plural: so too is the verb.

 

[JahJahBinks]

I just asked someone and he said the answer is "is" because no matter how many length(s) and width(s), there is still ONE card, the "is" is referring to the card, not length or width.

 

[smeggy]

I vote the Pirate option:
Arrrr, what be the length and width of this 'ere card me mateys?

 

[JahJahBinks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeggy I vote the Pirate option: Arrrr, what be the length and width of this 'ere card me mateys?

This one gets my vote!

 

[rickcr42]

You want maybe I should give you some help on dat ?

 

[ken36]

Who cares? What are the answer???