Subject Verb Agreement of and
7. November 2021

Subject-verb agreement is an important element of grammar that ensures the clarity and correctness of written communication. When it comes to the conjunction „and,“ many writers struggle with its correct usage in terms of subject-verb agreement. In this article, we will explore this issue and provide helpful tips to ensure proper usage.

The basic rule for subject-verb agreement with „and“ is that when two subjects are joined by „and,“ the verb is plural. For example, „Jane and Mike are going to the party.“ The plural verb „are“ agrees with the plural subjects „Jane“ and „Mike.“

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. When two subjects are joined by „and,“ but they refer to the same person or thing, the verb should be singular. For instance, „Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.“ The singular verb „is“ agrees with the singular subject „peanut butter and jelly“ that refers to a single sandwich.

Another exception is in cases where one of the subjects is plural and the other is singular. In such instances, the verb should agree with the subject closest to it. For example, „The cat and dogs love to play.“ The plural verb „love“ agrees with the plural subject „dogs“ that is closest to it.

It is important to note that subject-verb agreement with „and“ also applies to compound subjects that are joined by other conjunctions, such as „or“ and „nor.“ The same rules apply in these cases.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement with „and“ is a crucial aspect of grammar that can impact the clarity and correctness of written communication. By following the basic rules and exceptions outlined in this article, writers can ensure proper usage and avoid common errors. As a copy editor, it is essential to be familiar with these rules and to use them to improve the quality of written content.