English Language Arts
Grade 11
15 min
Identify and correct verb agreement with compound subjects
Identify and correct verb agreement with compound subjects
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Accurately identify compound subjects in complex sentences.
Apply the correct verb agreement rule for subjects joined by the conjunction 'and'.
Differentiate and apply the proximity rule for compound subjects joined by 'or', 'nor', 'either/or', and 'neither/nor'.
Correctly use singular verbs with compound subjects preceded by 'each' or 'every'.
Analyze and revise sentences in their own analytical essays to ensure correct subject-verb agreement with compound subjects.
Deconstruct sentences with intervening phrases to maintain proper agreement between a compound subject and its verb.
Which is correct: 'Neither the students nor the teacher (is/are) ready for the exam.'? 🤔 The an...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Subject-Verb AgreementThe grammatical rule that a verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject.Incorrect: The author argue... Correct: The author argues...
Compound SubjectTwo or more subjects joined by a conjunction (like 'and', 'or', 'nor') that share the same verb.In the novel, Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan represent the illusion of the American Dream.
ConjunctionA word used to connect clauses, sentences, or words. For compound subjects, the key conjunctions are 'and', 'or', and 'nor'.The setting and the symbolism contribute to the theme.
Singular Subject/VerbA subject that refers to one person, place, thing, or idea. It takes a singular verb, which often ends in '-s' in the p...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The 'And' Rule
Subject 1 + and + Subject 2 = Plural Verb
When two or more subjects are joined by the conjunction 'and', they are treated as a plural subject and require a plural verb. This is the most common rule for compound subjects.
The 'Or/Nor' Proximity Rule
Neither/Either + Subject 1 + nor/or + Subject 2 + Verb that agrees with Subject 2
When subjects are joined by 'or', 'nor', 'either/or', or 'neither/nor', the verb must agree in number with the subject closest to it. Pay close attention to the subject that immediately precedes the verb.
The 'Each/Every' Exception
Each/Every + Compound Subject = Singular Verb
When the words 'each' or 'every' precede a compound s...
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Challenging
An AP-style essay contains the sentence: 'Each thematic element and stylistic choice made by the author contribute to the work's enduring power.' A peer reviewer suggests changing 'contribute' to 'contributes'. Which evaluation is most accurate?
A.The reviewer is incorrect; the compound subject ('element and choice') requires the plural verb 'contribute'.
B.The reviewer is correct; the word 'Each' preceding the compound subject requires the singular verb 'contributes'.
C.The reviewer is correct, but because the true subject is 'author', which is singular.
D.The reviewer is incorrect; the intervening phrase 'made by the author' makes the subject plural.
Challenging
Which sentence correctly uses a singular verb for a compound subject that forms a single idea?
A.In the novel, the hero and the villain represents two sides of the same coin.
B.The push and pull of their arguments dominate the play's second act.
C.For the fugitive, law and order represents an insurmountable obstacle.
D.The book's plot and its character development is equally compelling.
Challenging
In which sentence is the compound subject correctly identified and paired with its verb?
A.The main conflict, as well as several subplots, are introduced in the first chapter.
B.Either the author's biography or the historical allegories offer the best lens for analysis.
C.The novel's shocking conclusion and its ambiguous epilogue leaves readers with many questions.
D.Beneath the surface of the narrative lies the themes of loss and redemption.
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