Do vs Does

[ched133]

Which of the following is correct/

Does inputting data into the system and printing the data for them need to follow the SEC standards?

Do inputting data into the system and printing the data for them need to follow the SEC standards/

"does" sounds better to me but the rule says that "do" must be used when talking about "inputting data" and "printing them".....

Which one is right

Thanks

[MrPedantic]

Hello Ched,

For me, "does doing X and doing Y need to follow..." suggests "does doing X and then as a consequence doing Y need to follow...".

"Do doing X and doing Y need to follow..." on the other hand suggests "does doing X need to follow..., and does doing Y need to follow..."

In other words, "does..." in your example suggests to me that the second action follows the first (i.e. they're linked), while "do..." doesn't.

Best wishes,

MrP