Can “A&B” be followed by “is”?
What is an excerpt from an ESL reading book. How can “Their independence and ability” be viewed as a single concept, so “is” can be followed?
In India, the number of working women has increased dramatically in the last 10 years. Indian Women have taken a more active role in the economy, their numbers are increasing faster in tandem with European women. Many mothers have been out of work, mostly in their late 20’s and 30’s, while many mothers are returning to work but have children. Furthermore, the “glass ceiling” that for so long has kept women from being promoted to executive position seems to have been damaged. These women, who are able to balance their roles as both mothers and corporate executives, are being referred to as “alpha moms.” What stereotype have worked against working mothers and their independence?
How do I become the person in today’s society?
Is independence and ability working together? In this case, you should use “are” so that the verb agrees with the compound subject.
Now if you want to focus on the two being working together, you could revise the sentence to use a singular subject like: The combination of their independence and ability
is quick erasing past stereotypes. Of course you can’t use a singular
subject verb. The use of singular subjects can be very painful.
