Help with a sentence!?

Question

Pleas help me with the following line:

The analysis and evaluation of the reports of dowry deaths is/are very difficult.

Though i think its "is", what do u think? any help is appreciated.

Answer 1

I think it should be "The analysis and evaluation of the reports of dowry deaths is very difficult."

However I would reword that (if possible) to "The analysis and evaluation into the reports of (the-maybe?) dowry deaths is very difficult."

Answer 2

The root sentence is "The analysis and evaluation is/are very difficult." "of dowry deaths" is an adjective clause modifying "reports" and "of the reports" is an adjective clause modifying "analysis and evaluation". "is" or "are" depends on how you think of what was done with the reports, i.e. whether "analysis" and "evaluation" are two processes or "analysis and evaluation" is one process - both of which perspectives are defensible.

Answer 3

You could argue that 'analysis and evaluation' constitute a single concept in the same way that 'researchand development' are seen as one idea, and use 'is'. Or they could be seen as two separate processes, and be used wth 'are'. You can make a case for either. It depends on whether in your field 'analysis and evaluation' are often used together. Also depends on whether you are writing for some literal minded grammar freak with no linguistic flexibility.

PS ignore the answer above. Cats and dogs are separate entities, R&D, Rock'n'roll, etc are not

Answer 4

You have a compound subject "analysis and evaluation" therefore you need plural verb: "are"
This answer just confirmed by my mom, a Rutgers English professor(retired) so you can take this answer to the bank!

Answer 5

one AND two ARE

you have two subjects - I vote plural verb

the analysis is very difficult - singular

did I tell you I hated English 101

Answer 6

'Analysis and evaluation' denotes two methods, so it has to be 'are'.