Dictionary of English - compound subject

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A compound subject, or coordinate subject, consists of two or more nouns or pronouns joined by a conjunction or preposition, which together form the subject of a single verb. It can be difficult to decide whether this verb should be singular or plural.

If the nouns or pronouns are joined by and, the verb is usually plural: My mother and I are going to Weston-super-Mare for our holidays. This applies even if one of the nouns is omitted: Both red wine and white are made in the area. But when the two nouns refer to the same person or thing, the verb is singular: My flatmate, and fellow team member, has broken his leg. And when the two linked nouns have become a fixed phrase, representing a single entity, the verb is singular: Fish and chips is all he ever eats.

If the nouns or pronouns are joined by or or nor (usually preceded by either or neither), the verb depends on the nouns or pronouns themselves. If both are singular, the verb is singular: The guard or his assistant has locked the gate. If both are plural, the verb is plural: Neither the Americans nor the Russians want this policy to succeed. If one is singular and one is plural, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun closest to it: Either the twins or Bob is going to come round to help you; Neither the time nor the resources are available. If the two pronouns conflict in person, the verb should agree with the second pronoun: Either you or I am likely to be chosen. But this usually sounds awkward, and it is probably better to rewrite the sentence to avoid the choice: Either you or I will probably be chosen.

If the nouns or pronouns are joined by prepositions such as as well as; in addition to; rather than; with, the verb is singular: Determination as well as skill is needed in this job.

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