Read the sentences carefully and chose a correct answer from the options given below :
(a) Milk and honey are a nourishing food.
(b) Milk and honey is a nourishing food.
Answer options :

The correct answer is Option B (Only (b) is correct).

Key Points:
• Core Language Concept Tested: The question primarily tests the candidate's understanding of Subject-Verb Agreement, dealing specifically with paired compound subjects that express a singular concept or idea.
• Why the Correct Option is Right: The official answer key marks option 2 as correct, meaning only sentence (b) is grammatically accurate. In English, when two singular nouns are joined by 'and' but they refer to the same idea, a singular entity, or a single unit (like a single dish or food type), they must take a singular verb. The predicate explicitly calls it "a nourishing food" (singular), cementing the fact that "Milk and honey" is being treated as a single unified concept. Thus, "is" is required.
• Common Exam Traps and Pitfalls: MPSC expects candidates to blindly apply the "Noun + and + Noun = Plural" rule. A common mistake candidates make here is selecting (a) because they see two distinct liquids.
• Elimination of Incorrect Options: Similar to phrases like 'bread and butter' or 'slow and steady', 'milk and honey' acts as a singular phrase. Therefore, using the plural verb 'are' in sentence (a) causes a disagreement between the subject and the singular complement ('a nourishing food'). Thus, by systematic elimination, we arrive safely at the correct choice.
• Preparation Strategy: For future exams, memorize common paired nouns that take singular verbs (e.g., crown and glory, horse and carriage).
• Key Takeaway: Remember: When two nouns joined by 'and' express a single idea or refer to a single unit (like 'bread and butter'), they take a singular verb.