the building exterior and interior finish is / are constructed entirely of wood.

[Tan Elaine]

Though the basic structure of the building interior is made of robust steel, the building exterior and interior finish is / are constructed entirely of wood.

Should I use "is' or "are"?

Thanks.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Though the basic structure of the building interior is made of robust steel, the building exterior and interior finish is / are constructed entirely of wood.

Should I use "is' or "are"?

Thanks.

Are. The subject has two items and is plural.

 

[5jj]

Though the basic structure of the building interior is made of robust steel, the building exterior and interior finish is / are constructed entirely of wood.

Should I use "is' or "are"?

I'd probably say, "... the building exterior and interior finishes are constructed entirely of wood".

I think this is possible: ""... the building exterior and interior finish is constructed entirely of wood".

 

[billmcd]

Though the basic structure of the building interior is made of robust steel, the building exterior and interior finish is / are constructed entirely of wood.

Should I use "is' or "are"?

Thanks.

"Exterior" and "interior" are adjectives. "Finish" is the subject so, use "is"

 

[MikeNewYork]

"Exterior" and "interior" are adjectives. "Finish" is the subject so, use "is"

The can both be nouns as well. The first occurrence of "interior" in the sentence is clearly a noun. I also read "(building) exterior" as a noun and separate from interior finish. But I can see that the sentence could be read another way.

 

[billmcd]

The can both be nouns as well. The first occurrence of "interior" in the sentence is clearly a noun. I also read "(building) exterior" as a noun and separate from interior finish. But I can see that the sentence could be read another way.

I was not referring to the "first occurrence", rather the phrase in bold in the original post.

 

[SoothingDave]

Does she mean "the building (exterior and interior) finish" or "(the building exterior) and (interior finish)"?

 

[5jj]

Does she mean "the building (exterior and interior) finish" or "(the building exterior) and (interior finish)"?

I interpreted it as bill did, the latter. I didn't think of the former (as Mike did), but I see now that it's possible. If it's the former, then the verb must be 'are'.