In Compound subjects^x, Verbs^x

A compound subject connected by "and" always takes a plural verb except when it is one entity. Here, I think it is better to use the plural verb 'are'. However, it depends on what you want to say and how it is interpreted. Please give the complete sentence, so we will be able to analyse it properly.

Whenever one uses the conjunction "and" to connect two subjects, a compound subject is created. It is therefore plural and must use the plural verb "have."

Kooyeen wrote: Grammar Geek wrote: First all, the rules for grammar are rarely in evidence when someone is speaking "on the fly," like your example. Hmm, I don't think so. Would this be possible? "Oh, well, I'd say my sister... umm... uh, are... are very... are very good at volleyball, yeah." ...

With a compound subject with an or , make the verb agree with what comes last.

'The Right Word at the Right Time' states as follows: There is an apple and pears for dessert. There are apples and a pear for dessert. Merriam-Webster 'Guide to English Usage' states as follows: When a compound subject follows the verb and the first element is singular, the...

Kooyeen wrote: Yoong Liat wrote: Yoong Liat wrote: There is / are a cat and a dog. (In AmE, both are acceptable.) Hi Yoong, I didn't know that, where did you find out it? I always thought "are" didn't sound very good. Maybe it's ok but it's...

Before you go too far, Mr. P, would you care to comment on the side issues that has come up? The use of a singular verb when there is a compound subject of gerunds or abstract nouns?

Grammar Geek wrote: I would guess the author meant the first because he or she chose the singular "is" as the verb. So that makes me thinkg it's the worrying about that's the subject, rather than a compound subject which would take a plural "are." Is it necessary so, GG? Isn't it grammatically...

I would guess the author meant the first because he or she chose the singular "is" as the verb. So that makes me thinkg it's the worrying about that's the subject, rather than a compound subject which would take a plural "are."

Yoong Liat wrote: There is a dog and two cats in his house. There are a dog and two cats in his house. Which is the correct sentence or are both okay? Hi Yoong Liat (should I say 'Hi Yoong' or 'Hi Liat'?) Let's start with a couple of links to my favourite sources: ...