Question

Chicken and rice ........................ my favourite dish.
(Choose the correct option)

• A. are
• B. had
• C. is
• D. have

Hint:

Look for clues in the rest of the sentence. Here, the word "dish" (singular) strongly indicates that "Chicken and rice" should be treated as a single unit, thus requiring a singular verb.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question deals with subject-verb agreement. The rule is that a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. However, there are exceptions, such as when two nouns joined by 'and' refer to a single idea or unit.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Identify the Subject: The subject is "Chicken and rice."
2. Analyze the Subject: Although "chicken" and "rice" are two separate items, in this context, they are being referred to as a single, combined meal or dish. The clue is the complement "my favourite dish" (singular).
3. Apply the Rule of Single Unit: When two or more nouns are joined by 'and' but represent a single idea, entity, or unit, a singular verb is used. Other examples include "bread and butter," "fish and chips," and "the long and short of it."
4. Choose the Correct Verb: Since "Chicken and rice" is treated as a singular subject in this sentence, it requires a singular verb.
- (A) are: Plural verb. Incorrect.
- (B) had: Past tense verb, doesn't fit the context of a general statement of preference.
- (C) is: Singular present tense verb. Correct.
- (D) have: Plural verb. Incorrect.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct verb is (C) "is".