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 -----
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?
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