You cannot decide here if "is" or "are" is correct until you have agreement between the subject of the sentence and the predicate nominative. Regardless of the verb chosen, you should not have a singular subject and a plural predicate nominative.
correct: "A vital element is the collection of words..." "The vital elements are the words..." -tom (...who knows he should keep silent but just couldn't help himself.) David Grant wrote: > > > In a message dated 8/3/03 3:52:26 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > > > > << Another vital element of learning english is the > > words (thankfully there aren't a great many) that > > are exceptions to the general rules of grammar and > > especially pronunciation >> > > > > ...ARE the words... "Is" is singular. (hehe) > > I think the original version was correct. > > 'is' refers to the element, not the words > > element is ... words are > > DG > ---------- Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net! A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables. FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml> Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400> To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Need help from a real person? Try. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ---------- Dr. Bott | 10/100 Ethernet for your 2400 is finally here! MPC-100 | <http://www.drbott.com/prod/mpc100.html> RoadTools $30 PodiumPad available at Apple retail stores, $20 Traveler CoolPad at Staples. Both in white for iBooks at <http://roadtools.com> Midwest Mac Parts ][ <http://www.midwestmac.com> After-market parts for Macs. ][ 888-356-1104 ][ MacResQ Specials: LaCie SCSI CDR From $99! PowerBook 3400/200 Only $879! Norton AntiVirus 6 Only $19! We Stock PARTS! <http://www.macresq.com>
