Step 1: Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement:
The subject "The rise and fall of the tide" is singular, as it refers to a single phenomenon (the rise and fall). Therefore, the verb should be singular ("is"). Step 2: Analyzing the Options:
- Are: Incorrect because the subject is singular, so the verb should also be singular.
- Is: The correct verb form to match the singular subject.
- Were: Incorrect because "were" is used for plural subjects or the past tense.
- Have: Incorrect because "have" is used with plural subjects or in present perfect tense, neither of which fits here. Step 3: Conclusion:
The correct verb is is, as the subject is singular.