Grammar and Language Workbook

Unit 8, Subject-Verb Agreement 173

Copyright © by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill

Grammar

Lesson 51

Agreement with Compound Subjects

A compound subject is two or more subjects that have the same verb. When two

or more subjects are joined by and, the verb is plural.

William and Sandy live on the same block.

Both trees and flowers require sunlight.

Elaine and her brothers play in the band.

Compound subjects can also be joined by or, either...or, and neither...nor. In these

cases, the verb must agree with the subject that is closer to it.

Dana or Maria knows the answer.

Either Dana or his study partners know the answer.

Neither the fifth-graders nor Dana knows the answer.

Exercise 1 Draw two lines under the verb in parentheses that agrees with the subject.

Both Florida and Hawaii (has, have) beautiful beaches.

1. Neither shoes nor jackets (fits, fit) in these lockers.


2. Tomas and his brothers (runs, run) in the marathon every year.


3. Both the mayor and the governor (has, have) offices downtown.


4. Either cotton or wool (feels, feel) comfortable.


5. Elephants and rhinos (lives, live) in the jungles of Africa.
   6. Both the orchestra conductor and the musicians (studies, study) classical music for years.


6. Either newspapers or a magazine (contains, contain) advertisements.


7. Martha and Jean (walks, walk) to school when the weather is warm.


8. Neither snow nor ice (stays, stay) on the ground after the spring thaw.


9. Blisters and bruises may (appears, appear) on one’s hands after doing yardwork.


10. Heat or smoke by the door (warns, warn) of a fire on the other side.


11. Both badminton and tennis (uses, use) a net to divide the two halves of the court.


12. Bowlers and gymnasts (competes, compete) indoors.