Question

Drugs and liquor __________ injurious to health

• A. is
• B. are
• C. was
• D. has

Answer 1

Answer:

B. are

• Subject-Verb Agreement: The subject consists of two distinct singular nouns (drugs and liquor) connected by the conjunction and. In English grammar, when two or more subjects are linked by "and," they form a compound subject that is treated as plural.

• Verb Selection: Because the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. Among the choices:

  • are: Correct (plural present tense).

  • is: Incorrect (singular present tense).

  • was: Incorrect (singular past tense).

  • has: Incorrect (singular present perfect auxiliary).

• The Exception Rule: While some compound subjects joined by "and" take a singular verb if they represent a single idea (e.g., "Bread and butter is my favorite breakfast"), drugs and liquor are considered two separate harmful substances, thus requiring the plural verb are.