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The Puzzler

Confounding Compounding

RAY: This puzzler was submitted by Peter... and, I guess he didn't want to give his last name.

He writes, "Usually when the subject of a sentence is compound, and the components are connected by "and," the verb takes the plural form. For example, we say, "Bob and his wife ARE planning to drive to Florida"... not, "Bob and his wife IS planning to drive to Florida." Likewise, we say, "The vase and the book ARE on the table," not, "The vase and the book IS on the table."

But, can you think of a situation where the components of a compound subject are connected by "and," yet the form of the verb must be singular, and not plural?

TOM: I can do one right now! "The law firm of Dewey Cheetham and Howe IS located..."

RAY: That's not a compound subject.

TOM: But, it's a good fake.

Think you know? Drop Ray a note!

[ Car Talk Puzzler ]

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