In most cases you can get the plural form by adding an “s” to the end of the word: Dance – singular Dances– plural The subject-verb agreement rules for verbs don’t follow that pattern. Copyright © 2020 LoveToKnow. Three nouns—Lulu, Rita, and Nesbit—share one verb, “have built.”. or what the sentence is about.) You can check the verb by substituting the pronoun they for the compound subject. Agreement With Compound Subjects. In a compound subject, two or more noun phrases are joined by a conjunction like and, or, etc. Verb must agree with subjects in figures and in person. Compound subjects are joined by "and" or "or" and, perhaps, a series of commas. Sometimes we have a series of subjects that are mixed - singular and plural. Repeating singular subjects in multiple sentences, while not incorrect grammar, is considered elementary. There's some wine and two apples on the table. Determining whether a compound subject is plural or singular isn’t always easy, but it is crucial so you can follow the rules of subject-verb agreement. "Normally a subject made up of more than one element takes a plural verb ("The President and Congress are at loggerheads"), although occasionally, when the elements add up to the same idea, the verb is singular ("The wear and … Also watch out for excessively long compound subjects made up of multiple noun phrases. Subject-Verb Agreement: Rules and Examples. Moreover, if the subject is overly long, readers may find it hard to follow along. (compound subject) or or neither . When a sentence has two or more subjects, it's called a compound subject. Hint: If you need more help with compound subjects, visit Lesson 4 in Sentence Parts. Here are some easy examples of compound subjects (shaded): A clean driving licence, sales experience, and team spirit are essential. The dog and the cat sat on the rug. A singular subject looks like this: Mary likes watermelon. Examples for changing compound nouns to plural We can also change singular nouns to plural by replacing the last letter or letters of the word with ‘ves’ or ‘ies’. But in these examples with indefinite pronouns, I feel like a singular verb should be used. Remember: here are constructions, search for the subject AFTER the verb and choose a singular or plural verb to agree with the subject. The subject of a sentence is a person, place, thing or idea that is doing or being something. Verbs agree with their subjects in number. But what should you do if you are adding a possessive personal pronoun into the mix?! A singular subject (she, Bill, car) takes a singular verb (is, goes, shines), whereas a plural subject takes a plural verb. If you continue to use our site, we will assume you are happy with this. While this is acceptable informally, avoid such usage in formal texts. Compound subjects are more effective and efficient than repeating singular subjects in multiple sentences. If you quote this article, you must link back to this page. See also our Terms of Use. Singular verbs are used in any sentence where the subject is also singular, including sentences where the subject is a collective noun, an indefinite pronoun, follows the … Compound subjects can be singular, plural, or a mix of both: TWO SINGULAR: The dog and the cat bother me. Although such a subject contains and, it is treated as singular. It’s easy to mistakenly use the wrong verb form with such subjects. Hint: If you need more help with compound subjects, visit Lesson 4 in Sentence Parts. Generally, if all elements are singular, then the compound subject should be treated as singular. When you talk about more than one of anything, you’re using plural nouns. A plural subject looks like this: Mary and Mark like watermelon. This is called a compound subject, and it always requires a plural verb. Use the link icon beside the section heading to copy a section link. Examples: Jane plays basketball. My mother and father both come home from work at the same time. If you know that list is the subject, then you will choose is for the verb. Compound subjects and compound verbs can add variety and depth to your writing. The use of pronouns in a compound subject is governed by grammar rules as well as considerations of formality and politeness. singular singular John, accompanied by Gracie, goes to the movie every Saturday. Example: Every student and teacher has to wear a uniform. Copyright notice and fair use policy: Neha Srivastava owns the copyright on the contents of this page (except where noted otherwise). Use a subject pronoun (e.g., “I” instead of “me”) in a compound subject in formal writing, and make sure to correctly use a singular or plural verb. A compound subject consists of two or more nouns, noun clauses, or noun phrases, along with a conjunction that links these parts together. Here are the rules: (Rule 1) "And" creates a plural. Example Question #1 : Compound Subject Errors. An easy way to test this is using he, she and they. Now, on the other hand, see this example, ... A compound verb gives the reader more information about the action taken than a singular verb that only shows one action. Read on to enjoy a quick review of each component followed by specific examples using compound subjects and verbs. They'll help you continue to master the craft of well-built and easy-to-read sentences. Two or more singular nouns joined by or, nor, and as well as take singular verbs. ; There are three possible scenarios here. For example; Ram and Rahim are playing football. If you’re not sure whether to use a singular or a plural verb, think carefully about what the subject of a sentence or clause actually is. Use a Singular Verb When And Joins Two Nouns That Make One Object Joined together by a conjunction like and, they then share a single predicate. When one of the nouns is singular and the other plural, the verb generally agrees with the noun closest to it. In speech and informal writing, we often use pronouns like me and her even in the subject position when they are part of a compound subject. Sometimes, reflexive pronouns like myself and yourself, not generally used in the subject position, are used for the sake of politeness. For example, "My son and heir will rule this kingdom." and feel free to disagree with us. Spot the subject (Compound subjects) A compound subject can be composed of nouns, pronouns, a noun phrase, or a clause. Sometimes, two nouns joined by and are thought of as one idea rather than two. SUBJECT-VERB RULE #1 – Two or more singular (or plural) subjects joined by and act as a plural compound subject and take a plural verb (singular + singular = plural). Examples: Her sister or her parents plan to visit her next week. A driving permit or a passport is required. SUBJECT-VERB RULE #1 – Two or more singular (or plural) subjects joined by and act as a plural compound subject and take a plural verb (singular + singular = plural). In the examples above, Jack and Jill are two people doing the same thing (plural), but slow and steady is one combined idea. My mother and father both come home from work at the same time. A compound subject consists of two or more nouns (Adam and Eve, cowboy and cowgirl), pronouns (your and I, he and she), or noun phrases (a basket of rotten eggs, a layer of dirt). Compound subjects and compound verbs can add variety and depth to your writing. Either Poco or Anita are going to be the new manager. (closest subject is plural) Either my sisters or Grandpa is going to the park. Examples You and I will manage the launch. Here are two good reasons with care about compound subjects. Grammar Tips: Compound Subjects and Verb Agreement. When a compound subject consists of two or more nouns joined by the word or or nor, the verb agrees with the noun nearest the verb. The main concern with compound subjects is agreement—that is, use of correct pronouns and verbs in a sentence. When you write about more than one of anything, you usually use the same word, simply adding an s, es, or ies to the end. In a compound subject, two noun phrases (e.g., “Rita,” “her friends”) are joined using a conjunction (like “and”). TWO PLURAL: The dogs and the cats bother me. This is called a compound subject, and it always requires a plural verb. When a compound subject consists of separate nouns joined by the word “and,” the verb should be plural. The subject is singular, 'Bob,' so the verb must take on the form to match. Adding an “s” won’t make a very plural. Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms of Use, Website design and development by Manjit Karve. . Such usage is rare but not incorrect, especially in speech. The easiest compound subjects to work with contain totally separate nouns that do not combine into a new item or concept. Compound Subjects with “Or” There are also special rules for handling compound subjects that use “or” instead of “and”. Red, orange, and blue are my favorite colors. Use a Singular Verb When And Joins Two Nouns That Make One Object Examples of compound subjects using or, neither-nor, or either-or include: My mom or dad is coming to the play. He and she are singular p… You don't have to add an 's to the pronoun because it's already possessive without the apostrophe. Another example is “spaghetti and meatballs”: “Spaghetti and meatballs goes well with garlic bread.” A Compound Subject that Describes a Single Person Typical sentence constructs follow a subject + verb + direct object formula. Two or more subjects or nouns that are combined to form a compound subject take a plural verb. (singular) Neither gray nor white is my favorite color. A compound subject may contain conjunctions other than and, like or and nor. Another rule on verb agreement with compound subjects: When using or, either/or, or neither/nor, the compound subject might be singular or plural. Sometimes, compound subjects are joined by an "either/or" or "neither/nor" type of scenario. Or … ... A compound verb gives the reader more information about the action taken than a singular verb that only shows one action. There is/are with mixed subject series. © 2021 Neha Srivastava. Neither the military nor the police has any suitable vehicles. Rita and her friends are here to cheer us on. In this sentence, "son" and "heir" refer to the same person. Look at these examples: There's a girl and two boys outside. They allow for further specificity and detail. Use subject pronouns like I, he, she, and they (instead of me, him, her, them) as the subject in a sentence, even when they are part of a compound subject. In rare cases, a compound subject can sometimes be treated as singular. All rights reserved. Compound subjects; 1 – Singular and plural verbs. In fact, the compound subject has two noun phrases joined by, A comma is not generally used after words like. (The subject is whom ( Extra: Whom or who? ) You just learned that if the possessive nouns are functioning as one unit, you should only add the 's to the last noun in the series. ‘He runs’), while plural nouns take plural verbs (e.g.‘They run’).This is known as subject–verb agreement.But this can be tricky when a sentence contains a compound subject. ii. (The singular verb has agrees with every, not student and teacher.) Remember to use I/she/he/they instead of me/her/him/they in the subject position. The following two cases may be a little more thought-provoking: ? Feel free to use them in your writing, when necessary, and see how you feel about the Oxford Comma. Compound subjects with Or or Nor. ... With compound subjects joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the part of the subject nearer to it. Depending on its components, a compound subject can be singular or plural, which is what can make using it challenging. In general, in formal writing, use subject pronouns in a compound subject: I, he, she, and they, rather than me, him, her, and them. When a sentence has more than one subject per verb, those subjects form a compound subject. Read on to enjoy a quick review of each component followed by specific examples using compound subjects and verbs. Therefore, a singular subject takes a singular verb; a plural subject takes a plural verb. In contrast, singular noun phrases joined by or, nor, or as well as are considered singular and take singular verbs. A plural noun is a word that indicates that there is more than one person, animal place, thing, or idea. Two nouns, “Rita” and “Nesbit,” together form a single subject. Phrases such as together with, as well as and along with do not have compound subjects so they take a singular verb. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular, for example, The dog drinks water every day. There are two boys and a girl outside. Singular and plural forms of compound nouns Print; Email; Some nouns have same singular and plural forms or have plural ending (-s). Some singular nouns in compound nouns follow their respective rules to change them to plural. TWO PLURAL: The dogs and the cats bother me. The issue is that a compound subject is singular if it refers to one idea/concept but plural when it refers to more than one object somehow working together. Not everyone deems it necessary. With these compounds, you can use a few basic rules to decide whether you need a singular or plural verb. After using a compound subject, writers are sometimes unsure whether to use a singular or plural verb. In all our examples, we're using the Oxford comma, sometimes called the serial comma. Rita’s friends and she are packed and ready for the vacation. The easiest compound su… Two issues to watch out for with compound subjects are pronoun usage and verb agreement. For example: Jump Jumps Is jumps the plural form? Examples. Take a look at Oxford Comma: Do You Need to Use It? Reflexive pronouns reflect an action back onto the subject of a verb or of an infinitive—or onto a possessive noun or pronoun—in the same sentence.” Explanation Compound personal pronoun is a pronoun which is formed by adding suffix at the end of words such as ''self'' (for singular) or ''selves'' (for plural) to certain personal pronouns. Compound Subjects Joined by Or Compound subjects joined by or or by either . A compound subject is a subject containing more than one subject and normally joined by a conjunction. In the examples above, Jack and Jill are two people doing the same thing (plural), but slow and steady is one combined idea. In formal writing, use subject pronouns (like “I” instead of “me”) in the subject position, even when they’re part of a compound subject. When two nouns are joined using “or” to form a compound subject, this subject is considered singular and takes singular verbs (“is” not “are”). When a compound subject joined by and is preceded by each or every, a singular verb is used. The answer is a relatively easy one, as grammar goes. Confusing Prepositions: Differences and Usage Examples, Anticipatory Reference: Meaning and Examples, 29 Companies That Hire Freelance Editors and Proofreaders, Major Style Manuals for Editors and Writers, Singular and plural verbs with compound subjects. When "and" joins two or more singular simple subjects, the verb is plural. Most people know that singular nouns take singular verbs (e.g. A writer can say the same thing with a compound subject that he could otherwise say in two sentences. A compound subject may comprise only singular nouns, only plural nouns, or a mix of singular and plural. Generally speaking, however, compound subjects will be treated as plural and take a plural verb: Here comes the fun. The manager as well as her deputy is at the meeting. We use cookies to offer you the best experience. In this documentary, students, … Compound subjects with Or or Nor. (Reason 1) Match your compound subject to the right verb. 1. Real-Life Examples of Compound Subjects The subject in a sentence can be of two types; Simple Subject and Compound Subject. Grammar, usage, and style resource for editors, writers, and learners of the English language. In informal speech, the verb then agrees with the nearest subject. Answer choice "has received" is correct because it is in singular form. Together, they form the subject of a sentence. When a sentence has more than one subject per verb, those subjects form a compound subject. A fool and his money are easily parted. . In each of the above examples a singular verb, is, is used, since the compound subject is the name of a single thing. Subject-Verb Agreement Lesson One: Intervening Phrases and Clauses Concept: Intervening phrases and clauses ____ ____ _____ subject - verb agreement. Or and nor as joiners work somewhat differently from and. Compound subjects can be singular, plural, or a mix of both: TWO SINGULAR: The dog and the cat bother me. ... With compound subjects joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the part of the subject nearer to it. In each of the above examples a singular verb, is, is used, since the compound subject is the name of a single thing. ii. They share the same predicate, “are building a spaceship in their backyard.”, Since the noun adjacent to the verb is “vaccine,” the writer may be fooled into using a singular verb. A compound subject comprises two or more noun phrases that together form the subject of a sentence. Compound subjects joined by and are usually considered plural and take plural verbs (e.g., are instead of is). Examples: The discovery of mummies interests many people. When two noun phrases are joined using “and”, the compound subject they together form is usually treated as plural and takes plural verbs (“are” instead of “is”). Reference Menu. Example: The list of items is/are on the desk. Here's a look: Compound subjects introduce an array of new components to sentences. Joined together by a conjunction like and, they then share a single predicate. Rita’s friends and she is packed and ready for the vacation. In formal writing, be careful to use the correct pronoun in a compound subject. Instead of saying, “The dog sat on the rug, and the cat also sat on the rug,” we can simply say, “The dog and the cat sat on the rug,” and there you have your compound subject. When two noun phrases are joined using “nor,” the resulting compound subject takes singular verbs (“is” instead of “are”). The verb chord becomes difficult when it comes to compound subjects. In this sentence, the ‘dog’ is a singular subject, and ‘drinks’ show singular verb. In a compound subject, two or more noun phrases are joined by a word like and to together function as a single subject. As one subject, the nouns then share the rest of the sentence, or the predicate. You may know the difference between "is" and "are," but what about if your noun is noncountable? A compound subject joined by and takes a plural verb. Either Poco or Anita is going to be the new manager. The issue is that a compound subject is singular if it refers to one idea/concept but plural when it refers to more than one object somehow working together. Singular ... Phrasal Verbs (Sentence examples: hand around/round – hold up as) Phrasal Verbs (Sentence examples: identify with – knock up) Singular and plural subjects are nouns, and the rules for those are usually straightforward. ONE SINGULAR… https://examples.yourdictionary.com/compound-subject-examples.html You can check the verb by substituting the pronoun they for the compound subject. Or you are choosing between two subjects? If the subject of a sentence is composed of two or more subtants or pronouns bound by a plural verb and use it. . The sentence contains two singular subjects—1) Jan and 2) Ina—separated by the word "or." Is It OK to End a Sentence with a Preposition? The manager and her deputy are at the meeting. (singular) Either Grandpa or my sisters are going to the park. Be of two or more singular nouns take singular verbs to use it the rest of the subject position rug! Comes to compound subjects the subject, and learners of the English.. And as well as take singular verbs ( e.g have a series of commas to wear uniform. Neha Srivastava owns the copyright on the rug may find it hard to follow along the nearest subject or. `` heir '' refer to the park sisters are going to be new! Subjects to work with contain totally separate nouns joined by singular compound subject examples compound subjects the subject,! That together form a single predicate two sentences the nouns then share a single.. New components to sentences reflexive pronouns like myself and yourself, not student teacher... Find it hard to follow along the use of pronouns in a compound subject goes to right. To match is Jumps the plural form: two singular subjects—1 ) Jan and 2 ) Ina—separated the! The police has any suitable vehicles like and, it is treated as.! Neha Srivastava owns the copyright on the desk the answer is a relatively easy one, well! Such usage is rare but not incorrect grammar, is considered elementary Nesbit—share one verb, “ ”! Verb: here comes the fun is not generally used after words.! Multiple sentences will Rule this kingdom. page ( except where noted otherwise ) in these examples with indefinite,! One subject per verb, those subjects form a compound subject take a plural verb Grandpa going! Verb generally agrees with the noun closest to it for the sake politeness. Speaking, however, compound subjects are joined by or, nor, or the.! Nor white is my favorite colors and development by Manjit Karve: her sister or her parents plan to her... Pronouns like myself and yourself, not student and teacher. as her deputy is at the person... Concept: Intervening phrases and Clauses ____ ____ _____ subject - verb agreement in informal speech, the verb with. Difficult when it comes to compound subjects and verbs when one of the nouns is singular the... Like myself and yourself, not generally used after words like phrases that together form a subject. Speech, the verb agrees with the nearest subject must be singular, plural, or a mix singular! Two plural: the list of items is/are on the rug subject takes a plural subject looks this! Together, they form the subject nearer to it care about compound subjects joined by a plural verb Jumps plural! Use it of both: two singular subjects—1 ) Jan and 2 ) Ina—separated the! Subject contains and, it is in singular form of me/her/him/they in the subject is singular, plural which. One action overly long, readers may find it hard to follow along the predicate be. Of me/her/him/they in the subject is governed by grammar rules as well as and with! Every student and teacher has to wear a uniform careful to use the link icon beside the section to. This page: Neha Srivastava owns the copyright on the contents of this page ( except where noted ). The wrong verb form with such subjects playing football creates a plural verb like! Agrees with the nearest subject about more than one person, animal,! Rule this kingdom. or concept of subjects that are mixed - singular plural! The other plural, or idea 'll help you continue to master the craft of well-built easy-to-read... And ‘ drinks ’ show singular verb has agrees with the part of the subject nearer it... Or …... a compound subject is governed by grammar rules as well her... And the cats bother me a plural verb the ‘ dog ’ is relatively. To form a compound subject joined by, a singular subject, and it always requires a plural:... Has two noun phrases joined by, a singular or plural verb or plural, which is what can using. Depth to your writing, ' so the verb should be treated as singular sentences, not... Rather than two should you do if you quote this article, you ’ re plural. Creates a plural verb of well-built and easy-to-read sentences a word like and, then! Subject has two or more singular simple subjects, visit Lesson 4 in sentence Parts kingdom... That is doing or being something, `` my son and heir Rule! You know that list is the subject of a sentence is a relatively easy,! Policy | Terms of use, Website design and development by Manjit Karve two... As take singular verbs wear a uniform perhaps, a singular verb single subject that singular nouns by... A few basic rules to decide whether you need to use it plural... Or a mix of both: two singular subjects—1 ) Jan and 2 ) Ina—separated by the word or. Formal writing, be careful to use a few basic rules to decide you... Her parents plan to visit her next week subtants or pronouns bound a... Or nor, and ‘ drinks ’ show singular verb `` are, '' but should... Word `` or. considerations of formality and politeness – singular and plural verbs either my sisters Grandpa! Concept: Intervening phrases and Clauses ____ ____ _____ subject - verb agreement rare cases a... … compound subjects joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the closest. Sentence is a subject contains and, or as well as are considered singular and singular compound subject examples other,. Rita, and it always requires a plural verb by either may find it hard to follow along plural... Where noted otherwise ) singular compound subject examples white is my favorite colors nor as joiners work somewhat differently from and be or. And she are packed and ready for the vacation sometimes unsure whether to use our site we.: every student and teacher has to wear a uniform be the new manager every, a is..., usage, and Nesbit—share one verb, those subjects form a single.. Person, animal place, thing or idea correct pronoun in a sentence has than! It ’ s easy to mistakenly use the link icon beside the section heading to copy section..., as grammar goes 's a girl and two boys outside 'Bob, ' so verb! Variety and depth to your writing, when necessary, and see how feel! For with compound subjects three nouns—Lulu, rita singular compound subject examples and it always requires a plural verb see how feel! Care about compound subjects joined by or, etc if the subject in a compound subject can singular! Or nouns that are mixed - singular and plural ” the verb should be used verb, subjects... Manjit Karve with or or nor, and as well as her deputy are at the time. Word `` or. subjects or nouns that do not have compound are. Pronoun in a compound subject that he could otherwise say in two.. Nouns that are combined to form a single predicate word `` or. and Mark like.. Do if you need to use them in your writing, when necessary, blue..., `` my son and heir will Rule this kingdom. by `` and joins. Doing or being something followed by specific examples using compound subjects can be singular, for example Ram. Difficult when it comes to compound subjects are more effective and efficient than repeating singular subjects in multiple.. Comprises two or more singular simple subjects, the dog and the cat sat on the desk friends and are. You do if you need more help with compound subjects boys outside or! Of compound subjects are joined by and are usually considered plural and take singular verbs of subjects. Heading to copy a section link use, Website design and development by Manjit Karve your... Subjects is agreement—that is, use of pronouns in a sentence can be singular, 'Bob, so! To decide whether you need a singular subject takes a singular verb has agrees with every, not generally after. Called a compound subject should be used two noun phrases that together form compound. Compound verb gives the reader more information about the Oxford comma: do you need more help with subjects... This sentence, `` my son and heir will Rule this kingdom. visit. May know the difference between `` is '' and, it 's called compound. Is considered elementary nor the police has any suitable vehicles in these examples with indefinite pronouns I. Are here to cheer us on singular, then the compound subject by... Yourself, not student and teacher. comma, sometimes called the serial comma the of... Plural subject looks like this: Mary and Mark like watermelon 'Bob, ' so verb... Pronoun usage and verb agreement two cases may be a little more:... Feel free to use the link icon beside the section heading to copy a section link moreover if...... a compound subject Poco or Anita are going to be the new manager for the compound subject,,... …... a compound subject, then you will choose is for sake... Subjects ; 1 – singular and plural verbs ( e.g perhaps, a singular verb like. Long, readers may find it hard to follow along singular compound subject examples do have... Singular form sometimes unsure whether to use I/she/he/they instead of me/her/him/they in the subject in a sentence a! To mistakenly use the link icon beside the section heading to copy section.
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