Use the correct verb – with compound subjects

Lesson Introduction: Using the Correct Verb with Compound Subjects

A compound subject means there are two or more subjects in a sentence that share the same verb.

When using the correct verb with compound subjects, we need to look at whether the subjects are joined by and, or, or nor.

1. When subjects are joined by and

Use a plural verb.

Examples:

• Jake and Mia play basketball.

• The coach and the players work hard.

2. When subjects are joined by or or nor

The verb should agree with the subject closest to it.

Examples:

• The teacher or the students are ready.

• The students or the teacher is ready.

This is important because the verb must match the correct subject.

Learning how to use the correct verb with compound subjects helps us write sentences that sound smooth, correct, and easy to understand. Today we will practice choosing the right verb in sentences with two or more subjects.