Usage of Compound Subject in Subject Verb Agreement


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Usage of Compound Subject in Subject Verb Agreement

Usage of Compound Subject in Subject Verb Agreement:   A compound subject consists of two or more nouns ( Ram and Sita, cowboy and cowgirl), pronouns (your and I, he and she), or noun phrases (a basket of eggs, a layer of dirt). Together, they form the subject of a sentence.

A) If the two subjects are joined by and, the verb will be plural. e.g.

  • He and she were present in the function. 
  • Ram and Rahim are best friends.
  • B)  When two nouns refer to the same person or thing, take, singular verb, e.g.

  • The poet and painter has died. 
  • The leader and patron has arrived.
  • C) When two nouns alomost identical in meaning are used in sentence, just for the sake of emphasis,  we use singular verb.  Example: 

  • The scheme and plan of my life differs from that of yours. 
  • The path and journey to glory needs hard work.
  • D) When two subjects are connected by or, either...or, neither...nor, and not only...but also, the subject which is closest to the verb determines whether the verb is singular or plural. Usually, the plural subject is placed near the verb (it means, if one subject is singular and the other is plural, the plural subject will be placed near the verb and the verb will be plural). eg.

  • Neither the Principal nor the teachers were present in the function.
  • Either Ramesh or his friends have stolen the watch.
  • Not only the Principal but also the teachers were playing the match.
  • E ) When two nouns are joined together by besides, as vell as, and not, in addition to, like, with, together with, including, accompanied by, etc, the verb is governed by the former noun. e.g.

  • Ram and not his friends was present there. 
  • The house with all its belongings was sold.
  • Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    Fill in the blank with suitable verb.

    A number of residents ______________ complained about the noise.

    Right Option : D
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    Explanation
     
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    Language - English
     


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