Singular is correct. The subject is neither 'learning' nor 'assimilating', but the entire phrase, "Learning and assimilating new information." The whole phrase is acting as a noun in the subject slot. It would make no sense to substitute 'they' in its place, but you could easily substitute 'it'. If you made the verb plural, then the 'it' in the relative clause ("when it ... ") would make no sense, either.

Paul E. Doniger

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Rabinowitz, Jennifer 
  To: [log in to unmask] 
  Sent: Monday, July 30, 2001 10:15 AM
  Subject: Re: Help with verbal as subject


  I am also not an expert here, but by using "it" you are weighing in with the singular camp--otherwise the choice would be they.  I am inclined towards the singular also--first, learning and assimilating information are not separate acts, but really only two different words to describe the same occurrence (taking in information).   Does that make sense?     
    -----Original Message-----
    From: Barbara Grimes [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
    Sent: Monday, July 30, 2001 9:55 AM
    To: [log in to unmask]
    Subject: Re: Help with verbal as subject


    Hi. I'm no expert in these matters, but what would happen if you substituted 
    the pronoun "it" for your second "information"? 

          "Learning and assimilating new information is always easier when it is 
    presented in a familiar pattern." Do we still have the same problem? Would 
    the disagreement still arise over the use of a singular vs. a plural pronoun? 
    Is such a substitution viable? 

    Barb