Quick grammar help---I am doubting myself

[KarenB]

Which is correct??

Knowing basic addition and subtraction facts is necessary for success in this chapter.

OR

Knowing basic addition and subtraction facts are necessary for success in this chapter.

Thanks,
Karen

 

[laughinplace199]

I think it's option #1.

 

[akhenaten]

I believe "knowing...is"

 

[Magic Mom]

"is"

 

[mrsdon]

It is #2
Facts are
The other part of the sentence are helping or descrptive words
break it down to the basic facts are
facts are plural

 

[Kathi OD]

"Is."

You have a plural subject, so you need a singular verb. I know that seems backwards, but that is the rule.

 

[KarenB]

"is" was what I had first but then I reread it and was thinking to deep. Thanks!

 

[Val]

Knowing basic addition and subtraction facts is necessary for success in this chapter.

A trick.....remove the "basic addition and subtraction facts" and try just the "knowing is necessary". If this sounds correct, it is! Then, add back the part you took out.

Same for My sister and I went sledding or It means a lot to my sister and me. Take out the "sister" and listen to how it sounds.....add back the "sister" and you are the grammar queen!

 

[KarenB]

Knowing basic addition and subtraction facts is necessary for success in this chapter.

A trick.....remove the "basic addition and subtraction facts" and try just the "knowing is necessary". If this sounds correct, it is! Then, add back the part you took out.

Same for My sister and I went sledding or It means a lot to my sister and me. Take out the "sister" and listen to how it sounds.....add back the "sister" and you are the grammar queen!

I use your second suggestion all the time. Thanks for the first one!!

 

[Magic Mom]

It is #2
Facts are
The other part of the sentence are helping or descrptive words
break it down to the basic facts are
facts are plural

No, because the word "facts" isn't the subject. The subject is the gerund "knowing." You wouldn't say. "Knowing John and Sue are a pleasure."

 

[merekc]

I thought it should be "are". Facts are.

For that matter, I don't think the word "Knowing" really works in the sentence.

I thought I'd cheat and copied them both into a Word document for grammer check. They both passed. Not sure what that means.

When in doubt, change your sentence.

 

[KarenB]

I thought it should be "are". Facts are.

For that matter, I don't think the word "Knowing" really works in the sentence.

I thought I'd cheat and copied them both into a Word document for grammer check. They both passed. Not sure what that means.

When in doubt, change your sentence.

I checked it on Word too! I am writing a periodical newsletter to send home and I try to make it friendly yet informative. I start to over think things and it is easy to get stuck on all the grammar. I would much rather "go with my gut", but I have had parents that are university professors and I get nervous that that they may edit my newsletters at home!!

 

[Alex2kMommy]

No, because the word "facts" isn't the subject. The subject is the gerund "knowing." You wouldn't say. "Knowing John and Sue are a pleasure."

You (and nearly everyone else) are absolutely correct.

 

[dispor]

Knowledge of basic addition and subtraction facts is necessary for success in this chapter.

 

[pogo791]

"Is".

Like Magic Mom suggests, try different examples:

"Knowing Tom and Susan is a pleasure." (Not "are".)

"Shopping at Macy's and Saks during the Christmas rush is a hassle." (Not "are".)

"Casting a vote for both McCain and Obama as President in the same elections is against the law." (Not "are".)

 

[TLSnell1981]

Knowing basic addition and subtraction facts is necessary for success in this chapter.

A trick.....remove the "basic addition and subtraction facts" and try just the "knowing is necessary". If this sounds correct, it is! Then, add back the part you took out.

Same for My sister and I went sledding or It means a lot to my sister and me. Take out the "sister" and listen to how it sounds.....add back the "sister" and you are the grammar queen!

That's how I learned to double check my work.