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But: It’s me who is wrong.
4. The universal pronoun both has a plural verb-predicate.
Which of the letters are yours? Both are mine.
Conjunctions connecting two or more homogeneous subjects
§ 63. A plural verb-predicate is used in the following cases:
1. With homogeneous subjects connected by and.
Sun and air are necessary for life.
Tom and Mary are my friends.
The ebb and the flow of the tide are regular.
Note:
However, with structures where coordinated nouns refer to one thing or person a singular verb-predicate is
used.
Bread and butter is not enough for breakfast. (one object is meant)
Bacon and eggs makes a traditional English breakfast. (one dish is meant)
The painter and decorator is here. (one person is meant)
If the article is repeated, the reference is to two persons or objects, and a plural verb-predicate is used.
The bread and the butter are on the table. (two separate object are meant)
The painter and the decorator are here. (two persons are meant)
Likewise, when a singular noun-subject has two attributes characterizing the same person or non-person
connected by and it has a singular verb and the article is not repeated.
A tall and beautiful girl was waiting in the office.
A black and white kitten was playing on the hearth rug.
But if the attributes characterize different persons or non-persons the verb is in the plural and the article is
repeated.
A black and a white kitten were playing on the hearth rug. (A black kitten was playing and a white kitten
was playing.)
The yellow and the red car were badly damaged.
However, the article is repeated before each attribute only with countable nouns. Uncountables have no
article.
In modern hotels hot and cold water are supplied in every room.
American and Dutch beer are both much lighter than British.
Good and bad taste are shown by examples.
With plural nouns only one article is used.
The Black and Mediterranean Seas never freeze.
2. With homogeneous subjects connected by both... and.