Hi
Could you please tell me if the following pairs are grammatically correct?
1- Two and two make four.
2- Two and two makes four.
1- Three and three are six.
2- Three and three is six.
1- Four and one is five.
2- Four and one are five.
Tom
Tom
.
One reputable grammar site states explicitly that: ‘Sums and products of mathematical processes are expressed as singular and require singular verbs’.
Another waffles: ‘Usually a singular verb is used in arithmetic statements’.
On the other hand, Ms Google coughs up:
16,400 English pages for “two and two are four”
798 English pages for “two and two is four”.
As for me, I have ceased worrying about it and use both. It seems to me that 2 + 2 = 4 can be looked at as either a single process or a compound subject, and with equal validity.
Or you can take the psychological approach:
A psychotic thinks that two and two are five.
A neurotic knows two and two are four – but he hates it.
.
I agree with the ‘‘reputable grammar site’’.
(The sum of) A and B is C.
(Adding) 2 and 2 makes 4.
In other words, ‘‘it is C’’ and ‘‘it makes 4’’.
I have learned to pay no attention to google numbers.