Use the correct subject or verb – with compound subjects
Key Notes :
📝 Use the Correct Verb – with Compound Subjects
A compound subject has two or more subjects joined by a word like and, or, nor, either…or, neither…nor.
We need to choose the correct verb depending on the subject.
| Subjects joined by AND ➕ |
When two subjects are joined by and, use a plural verb.
Example:
- Raju 👦 and Sita 👧 are playing in the park. ⚽🌳
✅ Tip: Always check that the subjects are separate people or things.
| Subjects joined by OR / NOR ❌ |
When subjects are joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Example:
- Either the teacher 👩🏫 or the students 🧑🎓 are responsible. ✅
- Neither the students 🧑🎓 nor the teacher 👩🏫 is late. ✅
| Subjects joined by EITHER…OR / NEITHER…NOR 🔄 |
Same as or/nor, the verb matches the nearest subject.
Example:
- Either the cat 🐱 or the dogs 🐶 are hungry.
- Neither Raju 👦 nor his brother 👦 was ready.
| Singular vs. Plural tricky cases ⚖️ |
When and is used with two singular nouns that refer to one thing or person, use a singular verb.
Example:
- Peanut butter 🥜 and jelly 🍓 is my favorite sandwich. ✅
✅ Tip: Think “one idea = singular verb”
| 🌟 Quick Rules Table |
| Compound Subjects | Connector | Verb Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two separate subjects | and | Plural verb | Raju 👦 and Sita 👧 are friends. |
| Two subjects | or / nor | Verb agrees with nearest subject | Neither the teacher 👩🏫 nor the students 🧑🎓 are late. |
| Singular + Singular (one idea) | and | Singular verb | Peanut butter 🥜 and jelly 🍓 is delicious. |
| Either…or / Neither…nor | — | Verb agrees with nearest subject | Either the dog 🐶 or the cat 🐱 is sleeping. |
| 🔹 Examples Together |
- Raju 👦 and Sita 👧 are going to school. 🏫
- Neither the boys 🧑🤝🧑 nor the girl 👧 is tired. 😴
- Either my mother 👩 or my father 👨 is coming to the party. 🎉
- Bread 🍞 and butter 🧈 is on the table. 🏠
- The dog 🐕 and the cat 🐈 are playing in the garden. 🌳
| 🎨 Fun Trick to Remember |
- AND = Plural (separate subjects) ➕
- OR / NOR = Nearest subject ❌
- One idea? Singular verb 💡
Let’s practice!🖊️
