How much is: How much are the book and pen?

Hi teachers :smiley:

Another question for you.
[color=blue]Can I say How much are…?

for example, how much are the book and pen?

If not. Why???

Hope to get ur help

Jupiter

Hi jupiter,

You still use the plural verb with the plural subject. How much are these books? follows the same type of agreement as in:

How much do they cost?

Alan

Hi Jupiter

Good question! :wink:

How much is a hamburger and chips and an orange juice?

I would explain it this way:
You need to use the singular “is” here because you are talking about the cost of one single order in a restaurant.

Amy

Hi Jupiter,

Yes, there you have the answer from Amy. I will just add that behind the scenes in the kitchen the waiter who’s taken the order says:

Alan