Use the correct subject or verb – with compound subjects

key notes :

A compound subject is made up of two subjects joined by the conjunction and or.
Mark and Amanda This week or next week

When a compound subject is joined by and, it is treated as plural, so use a plural verb. Plural verbs usually do not end in -s, -es, or -ies.

Jen and Andy go to the beach in the summer.

When a compound subject is joined by or, it can be treated as singular or plural. Use a verb that agrees with the subject closest to the verb.

If the subject closest to the verb is singular, use a singular verb. Singular verbs end in -s, -es, or -ies.

My parents or Emily bring me soup when I’m sick.

If the subject closest to the verb is plural, use a plural verb. Plural verbs usually do not end in -s, -es, or -ies.

Emily or my parents bring me soup when I’m sick.

Learn with an example

👉 Complete the sentence with the best verb.

A car or a bus ______ travelers to the airport three times a day.

  • carries
  • carry
  • Look at the subject, a car or a bus. It is a compound subject joined by the conjunction or.
  • The subject closest to the verb is a bus. It is a plural subject, so it goes with a plural verb. Plural verbs usually do not end in -s, -es, or -ies.
  • a car or a bus carries
  • Therefore, the best verb to complete the sentence is carries.

👉 Complete the sentence with the best subject. 

______carries travelers to the airport three times a day.

  • The hotel’s buses
  • A car or a bus
  • Look at the verb, carries. It is a singular verb.
  • Now look at the answer choices.
  • The hotel’s buses is a plural subject, so it should be used with a plural verb.
  • the hotel’s buses carry
  • A car or a bus is a compound subject joined by the conjunction or.
  • The subject closest to the verb is a bus. It is a plural subject, so it should be used with a plural verb.
  • a car or a bus carries
  • Therefore, the best subject to complete the sentence is a car or a bus.

👉 Complete the sentence with the best verb.

A bright red bird _____ on the fence.

  • rests
  • rest
  • Look at the subject, a bright red bird. It is singular, so use a singular verb. Singular verbs end in -s, -es, or -ies.
  • a bright red bird rests
  • Therefore, the best verb to complete the sentence rests.

Let’s practice!🖊️