Quick grammar question

[atikovi]

As if the performance and handling of the (car) isn’t exciting enough,

or

As if the performance and handling of the (car) aren't exciting enough,

Which is correct, isn't or aren't?

 

[John Galt]

Car = is
Cars = are

 

[K-Man]

You could make the argument that both are correct, depending on how the phrase "performance and handling" is construed. Some phrases containing "and" are treated as a singular item, such as "pork and beans". The sentence "Pork and beans is a good snack" is considered legitimate. Hardly anyone would say "pork and beans are ..."

I would include "performance and handling" with that because it's such a common phrase when referring to vehicles. But you could consider it either way.

 

[atikovi]

Car = is
Cars = are

Ok let me write it exactly,

As if the performance and handling of the Civic Type R isn’t exciting enough,

or

As if the performance and handling of the Civic Type R aren't exciting enough,

 

[cptbarkey]

both are terrible.

 

[atikovi]

Thank you professor.

 

[mk378]

More adjectives always help a sales blurb.

As if the [adjective] performance and [adjective] handling aren't exciting enough...

Now you are definitely presenting two separate concepts, so the plural "aren't" is the proper one.

 

[StumblingElk]

You are describing the car rather than "performance and handling "

So, I believe the answer is singular. Option A. (Isn't)

Or for our friends across the pond...innit...

 

[John Galt]

Curious as to what AI says is/are correct.

 

[atikovi]

More adjectives always help a sales blurb.

As if the [adjective] performance and [adjective] handling aren't exciting enough...

Now you are definitely presenting two separate concepts, so the plural "aren't" is the proper one.

I dunno, if I use just one,
As if the performance of the Civic Type R isn’t exciting enough,

isn't sounds right. But why would having two adjectives change that?

What if I changed "and" to "or"?

As if the performance or handling of the Civic Type R isn’t exciting enough,

 

[Hall]

Curious as to what AI says is/are correct.

Google Docs has no issues with either.

Hardly anyone would say "pork and beans are ..."

I might.... I definitely don't think it's wrong either. On the other hand, I'm not sure I've ever said "pork and beans" in my life !

 

[Pablo]

Ok let me write it exactly,

As if the performance and handling of the Civic Type R isn’t exciting enough,

or

As if the performance and handling of the Civic Type R aren't exciting enough,

But I will await @vavavroom for the final verdict.

 

[thastinger]

both are terrible.

and untrue.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Depends on the car(s).

 

[JohnnyG]

It was observed in the past, so past tense is more appropriate.

........wasn't exciting enough.

 

[John105]

I’d go, aren’t.

Imagine the phrase “of the car” is not there.

 

[reemoeMO]

When deciding whether to use the verb is or the verb are, look at whether the subject noun in the sentence is plural or singular. If the noun is singular, use is. If it is plural or there is more than one noun, use are.

I vote "aren't."

 

[atikovi]

Ok I'll use aren't, barring 'vroom's contradiction. Thanks.

 

[eljefino]

What if you said "Performance and fuel efficiency aren't the only things to look for in a car." That makes sense! So, also, would be "Performance and handling aren't the only things to look for in a car."

It makes grammatical sense to say "Simon and Garfunkel and Captain And Tennile make easy listening music" but it sounds like a mouthful.

 

[tcp71]

Add more options to the "performance and handling" part. For example:

As if the performance, color, suspension and handling of the (car) isn’t exciting enough.

this now sounds wrong. It should now be:

As if the performance, color, suspension and handling of the (car) aren't exciting enough.

I think there's your answer.