<p>practice test 8 ,page 846 # 14</p>
<li>(Introducing) new ideas and replacing (old ones) (is) always a highly controversial matter, especially (when) there is already tension between an older a a younger generation.</li>
</ol>
<p>Obviouslym “is” is wrong. Since two things are connected by the conjunction AND, the verb followed should be plural.</p>
<p>Anyhow, the blue book says the answer is NO error. Anyone can explain this?</p>
<p>The subject is the gerund "introducing." It is not an error.</p>
<p>A controversial matter [is] introducing and ...</p>
<p>correct. It is very tricky, but if u look close you see that introducing is in fact the subject because the noun is "the act of introducing"</p>
<p>Rightwing is very correct. I made the exact same error this morning. That's the only question out of 35 I got wrong.</p>
<p>then what is replacing?</p>
<p>HOw about this sentence ???</p>
<p>The introduction and replacement of ideas (is / are) controversial in today's world</p>
<p>nash...i have been wondering about this piece for so long
and i agree with you completely.</p>
<p>
[quote]
HOw about this sentence ???</p>
<p>The introduction and replacement of ideas (is / are) controversial in today's world
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Are, because in this case, the subject actually is "introduction and replacement"</p>
<p>Why does college board regard this question as an easy question?</p>
<p>"a highly controversial matter" is singular</p>
<p>that means the verb has to be singular</p>
<p>First of all, College Board is correct. In the sentence, "(Introducing) new ideas and replacing (old ones)" functions as a single unit and is therefore a singular subject requiring the correct verb "is." Just because they're joined by and doesn't mean that it's plural.</p>
<p>For example:</p>
<p>"Milk and cereal IS my favorite breakfast."</p>
<p>
[quote]
"a highly controversial matter" is singular</p>
<p>that means the verb has to be singular
[/quote]
</p>
<p>This is not true. In literature, especially in metaphors, singular subject/plural predicate nominative is often used. Quick example:</p>
<p>I am his wings.</p>