"N.V.K.," Huntigton, W. Va. - " (1) Which of the following is correct? (2) Why? 'There are satisfaction and profit in handling our goods'; 'In handling our goods there is satisfaction and profit.' "

(1) The first sentence is grammatically correct; the second is grammatically wrong. (2) The verb in the second sentence is singular , whereas it should be plural to agree with its nominatives "satisfaction" and "profit." "There," in both sentences , is merely an expletive adverb, and can have no influence on the number of the verb. Note the following examples, which are grammatically correct: "There is COMFORT for the afflicted"; "There are PAINS worse than death", "There is HAPPINESS alone in Christian living"; "There are SORROWS to come for the wicked." In each case here cited, the verb (in italics) agrees with its nominative (in small capitals). "There are SATISFACTION in handling our goods" is therefore correct.