Enjoying what we choose to do and keeping working hard <is> crucial ...

[j29682896]

Hi everyone

I read a sentence "Enjoying what we choose to do and keeping working hard is crucial to all of us."

I think the be verb here should be "are" but I am not sure. Please help me. Thank you.

 

[Glasguensis]

Both is and are are possible

 

[j29682896]

Thank you for your reply, Glasguensis. Can you explain a bit further when I should use is and when I should use are. Thank you.

 

[Glasguensis]

The key point is whether the two things linked by “and” can be considered as a single whole. In your example I believe they can, so is can be used. On the other hand we can also consider them to be separate, so are can be used.

Apples and bananas are good for you
Strawberries and cream is delicious

 

[j29682896]

I see. Thank you, Glasguensis.