Subject-verb agreement: Compound subjects

When writing in the present tense, we must make sure that a singular subject is partnered with a singular verb and a plural subject with a plural verb. Matching subjects and verbs sounds easy, but compound subjects can make it confusing.

In the following sentences, see if you can choose the verb that agrees with its subject. If you need a hand, read the following writing tips:

• Verb agreement: Compound subjects with “and”
• Verb agreement: Compound subjects with “or” and “nor”

1. Macaroni and cheese a favourite dish among children.

are

is

2. Neither Victor’s sisters nor his brother visited Newfoundland and Labrador.

have

has

3. Rajeev’s wife and soulmate never the need to fill the silence.

feels

feel

4. Both Shari and I watching old movies.

likes

like

5. Daniela or her children making brownies for the party.

is

are

6. either your dog or her puppies been vaccinated against rabies?

Have

Has

7. My brother Lucas and his best friend Eli every year to clean up the park.

volunteer

volunteers

8. Trial and error a natural part of the learning process.

are

is

9. your mom and dad live near to you?

Does

Do

10. The warranty states that normal wear and tear not covered.

is

are