Subject & Verb Agreement - Compound Subjects

Front

What is subject-verb agreement?

Back

Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number (singular or plural).

Front

What is a compound subject?

Back

A compound subject consists of two or more subjects that are joined by a conjunction and share the same verb.

Front

When do you use a singular verb with a compound subject?

Back

Use a singular verb when the compound subject is connected by 'or' or 'nor' and the subjects are singular.

Front

When do you use a plural verb with a compound subject?

Back

Use a plural verb when the compound subject is connected by 'and' and both subjects are plural.

Front

What is the rule for 'either/or' and 'neither/nor' constructions?

Back

When using 'either/or' or 'neither/nor', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Front

Example of a sentence with a compound subject using 'and'.

Back

The cat and the dog are playing in the yard.

Front

Example of a sentence with a compound subject using 'or'.

Back

Either the teacher or the students are responsible for the project.

Front

What verb form do you use with 'everyone'?

Back

Use a singular verb form with 'everyone', as in 'Everyone is happy.'

Front

What verb form do you use with 'none'?

Back

Use a singular verb form with 'none' when it refers to a singular noun, as in 'None of the cake is left.'

Front

What is the correct verb form for 'the horses or the cow'?

Back

The correct verb form is 'needs' because 'the cow' is singular.