How to determine the subject here?

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Awence  #490268  Tue, 18 Mar 08 12:42 PM

I heard that the coach, as well as the players, is going to travel to the city next Friday.

 

My head said with comma, the subject above is coach whereas without comma, a plural verb is valid. I somewhat agree but with doubts and wonder why it is so. Mind giving me some explanation on this matter? WIll appreciate if you have other examples.

 

  
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Grammar Geek  #490275  Tue, 18 Mar 08 12:57 PM

Here are some Web pags on this:

"Phrases such as together with, as well as, and along with are not the same as and. The phrase introduced by as well as or along with will modify the earlier word (mayor in this case), but it does not compound the subjects (as the word and would do)." (http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/sv_agr.htm)

"When a subject is followed by a conjoining prepositional phrase such as as well as, in addition to, or with, the verb should be singular: Jesse as well as Luke likes jazz. The old school along with the playground is up for sale." (http://www.bartleby.com/64/C001/060.html)

By the way, I got these by searching google for "as well as" verb agreement

 

  
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