Use the correct subject or verb – with compound subjects
key notes :
1. What is a Compound Subject?
- 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.)
2. Subject-Verb Agreement with Compound 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.
3. Using “And” with Compound Subjects:
- 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.
4. Using “Or” or “Nor” with Compound Subjects:
- 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.”)
5. Important Tips:
- 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.
6. Practice Identifying Compound Subjects:
- 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.
7. Summary:
- 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!🖊️