Liveinjapan  +  443980 Mon, 19 Nov 07 12:52 PM His courage and determination are an inspiration to us all. I know what this means, but I don't know if the words '..are an inspiration' is correct? Maybe correct and sounds natural. The word 'courage' and 'determination' are uncountable nouns. The subject of the sentence needs a plural verb due to the verb agreement. What I don't understand is whether I can put 'an inspiration' as an object. Thanks LiJ Liveinjapan Verbs, Plurals, Nouns, Uncountable Nouns, Countable Nouns

	Best answer by CalifJim  +  444209 Mon, 19 Nov 07 11:59 PM What I don't understand is whether I can put 'an inspiration' as an object.” This is an equative sentence, so it has no object; an inspiration is a subject complement. Yes, you can have two or more things 'equal' to one. The use of are is technically correct, but if you said is instead of are, hardly anyone would notice. According to some, frequent heat waves and mild winters are a sign of global warming. Greenhouse gas emissions and the polluted air that results from them are a problem. Intelligence and persistence are the key to success. CJ CalifJim

	Philip  +  444077 Mon, 19 Nov 07 03:58 PM  Yoong Liat wrote: His courage and determination are an inspiration to us all. The sentence is correct; an inspiration is fine.   I think the plual sounds awkward.  You could substitute 'inspirational' if you wanted to get rid of 'an'. Philip Joined on Thu, Jun 23 2005 Veteran Member 8,612 At reise er at leve! - H. C. Andersen

	Liveinjapan  +  444216 Tue, 20 Nov 07 12:29 AM Thank you all.  CalifJim wrote: This is an equative sentence, so it has no object; an inspiration is a subject complement.  Philip wrote: I think the plual sounds awkward.  You could substitute 'inspirational' if you wanted to get rid of 'an'. I understand. LiJ Liveinjapan