The subject

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MrPedantic  #307022  Mon, 25 Dec 06 12:54 AM

 CalifJim wrote:
< bear costume>
You've taken to playing the bear in The Winter's Tale, I presume?

And here I had thought for years that you were more of a Hamlet.  Sad [:(]

CJ

At this time of year, you take whatever you can get...Better than that other costume...

<shudders>

MrP

  
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MrPedantic  #307023  Mon, 25 Dec 06 01:02 AM

 Taka wrote:

So, when gerunds are perceived as separate activities, the compound are plural.

What about compound subjects of infinitives? Are they also treated as plural when perceived as separate activities?

It seems so to me:

1. To swim and to run is a fine form of exercise. ] viewed as one activity.

2. To swim and to run are fine forms of exercise. ] viewed as two activities.

The idea of swimming and running as a single activity may seem strange; but not in the context of e.g. a triathlon, where the prize-giver might say:

3.  To swim 750m, cycle 20km, and then run 5km in 1 hour, 39 mins and 48 seconds is a splendid achievement. It is an honour and a privilege to award you the First Prize: a year's supply of deep-fried Mars Bars. <sustained applause from runners-up>

MrP

  
Taka  #307147  Mon, 25 Dec 06 03:22 PM
 MrPedantic wrote:

 Taka wrote:

So, when gerunds are perceived as separate activities, the compound are plural.

What about compound subjects of infinitives? Are they also treated as plural when perceived as separate activities?

It seems so to me:

1. To swim and to run is a fine form of exercise. ] viewed as one activity.

2. To swim and to run are fine forms of exercise. ] viewed as two activities.

The idea of swimming and running as a single activity may seem strange; but not in the context of e.g. a triathlon, where the prize-giver might say:

3.  To swim 750m, cycle 20km, and then run 5km in 1 hour, 39 mins and 48 seconds is a splendid achievement. It is an honour and a privilege to award you the First Prize: a year's supply of deep-fried Mars Bars. <sustained applause from runners-up>

MrP



Hmm...so usually compound subjects of infititives are also seen as plural. I see.

Thank you, MrP!
  
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Taka  #307148  Mon, 25 Dec 06 03:24 PM
 CalifJim wrote:
< bear costume>
You've taken to playing the bear in The Winter's Tale, I presume?

And here I had thought for years that you were more of a Hamlet.  Sad [:(]

CJ


And Jim, what do you think about MrP's "another view" sticker? Anything to say about it?
  
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