Use the correct verb – with compound subjects

Key Notes:

Definition of Compound Subjects:

• A compound subject consists of two or more simple subjects joined by a conjunction (e.g., “and,” “or,” “nor”).

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Agreement in Number:

• Singular Subjects: If the compound subject is joined by “and,” it typically takes a plural verb (e.g., “The cat and dog run in the yard.”).
• Plural Subjects: When both subjects are plural, the verb remains plural (e.g., “The dogs and cats are playing.”).

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Using “Or” or “Nor”:

• When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it (e.g., “Either the teacher or the students are attending the meeting.”).
• If both subjects are singular, the verb remains singular (e.g., “Neither the cat nor the dog likes to swim.”).

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Collective Nouns:

• When using a compound subject that includes collective nouns (e.g., “team,” “group”), the verb may be singular or plural based on whether the group acts as a single unit or as individuals (e.g., “The team wins” vs. “The team and the coach disagree.”).

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Compound Subjects with Titles or Names:

• Titles or names of multiple entities acting as a single unit take a singular verb (e.g., “The Beatles is a famous band.”).

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Practice Examples:

• Encourage students to practice identifying the correct verb forms with various compound subjects in sentences.