Use the correct subject or verb – with compound subjects

  • A compound subject consists of two or more subjects joined by a conjunction (usually and or or).
  • Example: Tom and Jerry are friends. (Here, “Tom” and “Jerry” are the two subjects.)

  • When a compound subject is joined by and, the verb is typically plural.
  • When a compound subject is joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the subject closer to it.

  • Rule: Use a plural verb because the subjects are combined.

Examples:

  • My sister and I are going to the park.
  • The cat and the dog play together.

  • Rule: The verb should agree with the subject that is closer to the verb.

Examples:

  • Either the teacher or the students are going on the field trip. (Students is closer, so use “are.”)
  • Neither the cat nor the dog is in the house. (Dog is closer, so use “is.”)

  • If the subjects in a compound subject are different (one is singular and the other is plural), use the plural verb.
  • Example: My brother and my friends are here.
  • If both subjects are singular, use a singular verb.
  • Example: My friend and her brother is going to the movies.

  • Look for conjunctions like and, or, or nor to spot compound subjects in sentences.
  • Check which subject is closest to the verb to determine the correct verb form when using or or nor.

  • Compound subjects joined by and take a plural verb.
  • Compound subjects joined by or or nor take the verb form that agrees with the subject closer to the verb.
  • Always pay attention to the structure of the subject to choose the correct verb.

Let’s practice!🖊️