Verb agreement: Compound subjects with “and”

On this page

• Plural compound subjects
• Singular compound subjects
• Additional information

Plural compound subjects

When two subjects are joined with the conjunction and or the correlative conjunction both … and, the compound subject is usually plural and therefore takes a plural verb.

• The hiker and the cyclist enjoy the great outdoors.
  [One hiker + one cyclist = two people. So the verb enjoy is plural.]
• Both Gina and I are planning a trip to the Maritimes.
  [Gina + I = two people. So the verb phrase are planning is plural.]
• Both tourism and history await you on the Champlain Route!
  [Tourism + history = two things. So the verb await is plural.]

Singular compound subjects

Sometimes two subjects joined by and form a singular subject. In such cases, the compound subject is singular and therefore takes a singular verb.

• Drinking and driving is dangerous.
  [Drinking and driving is a single activity. So the verb is is singular.]
• The senior writer and editor was promoted to the position of editor-in-chief.
  [The senior writer and editor is a single person. So the verb was is singular.]
• Macaroni and cheese seems to be popular among university students.
  [Macaroni and cheese is a single dish. So the verb seems is singular.]

Additional information

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

Quizzes

• Subject-verb agreement: Compound subjects