Understanding compound subjects is crucial for mastering English grammar. A compound subject consists of two or more subjects joined by a conjunction, and it significantly impacts verb agreement and sentence structure.
This guide provides a comprehensive exploration of compound subjects, covering their definition, structure, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced topics. Whether you’re a student, a writer, or simply someone looking to improve your English skills, this article will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to confidently use compound subjects in your writing and speech.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Compound Subjects
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Compound Subjects
- Examples of Compound Subjects
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Compound Subjects
A compound subject is a subject that consists of two or more nouns, pronouns, or noun phrases joined by a conjunction. These conjunctions are typically and, or, nor, both…and, either…or, or neither…nor. The function of a compound subject is to perform the action or be described by the verb in a sentence. Understanding compound subjects is essential for ensuring correct verb agreement and constructing grammatically sound sentences. Compound subjects allow us to express multiple subjects acting together or being considered separately within a single sentence.
For instance, in the sentence “John and Mary went to the store,” “John and Mary” form a compound subject. Both John and Mary are performing the action of “going to the store.” Similarly, in the sentence “Either the cat or the dog will eat the food,” “the cat or the dog” is a compound subject, indicating that either one of them will perform the action of eating the food.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of a compound subject involves two or more subject elements connected by a conjunction. The most common conjunctions used are and, or, and nor. The structure can be represented as: Subject 1 + Conjunction + Subject 2 (+ Conjunction + Subject 3, and so on). The verb that follows the compound subject must agree in number (singular or plural) with the subject, which depends on the conjunction used and the nature of the subjects themselves.
When the conjunction and is used, the compound subject generally takes a plural verb, indicating that multiple subjects are acting together. For example, “The book and the pen are on the table.” Here, “the book” and “the pen” are joined by and, and the verb “are” is plural to agree with the compound subject. However, there are exceptions, such as when the subjects refer to a single entity or idea. We’ll explore these nuances in more detail later in the ‘Usage Rules’ section.
When the conjunctions or or nor are used, the verb agreement is determined by the subject closest to the verb. This means that if the subject closest to the verb is singular, the verb should be singular, and if it’s plural, the verb should be plural. For example, “Either the students or the teacher is responsible.” Here, “the teacher” is closer to the verb “is,” so the singular verb is used. Conversely, “Either the teacher or the students are responsible.” Here, “the students” is closer to the verb “are,” so the plural verb is used.
Types of Compound Subjects
Compound subjects can be classified based on the conjunctions used to connect the individual subjects. The most common types include those using and, or/nor, both…and, and either…or/neither…nor. Each type has its own specific rules regarding verb agreement and meaning.
Compound Subjects with ‘And’
When two or more subjects are joined by and, they typically form a plural compound subject. This means the verb that follows should be in the plural form. This indicates that all the subjects are acting together or being considered collectively.
For example, “The cat and the dog are playing in the yard.” The verb “are” is plural because both “the cat” and “the dog” are performing the action of playing. However, there are exceptions, such as when the subjects refer to a single entity or idea, in which case a singular verb is used.
Consider the phrase “Macaroni and cheese is my favorite dish.” Here, “macaroni and cheese” is considered a single dish, so the singular verb “is” is used.
Compound Subjects with ‘Or’/’Nor’
When subjects are joined by or or nor, the verb agreement depends on the subject closest to the verb. This is known as the proximity rule. If the subject closest to the verb is singular, the verb should be singular. If the subject closest to the verb is plural, the verb should be plural.
For example, “Either the books or the pen is on the table.” Here, “the pen” is closer to the verb “is,” so the singular verb is used. Conversely, “Either the pen or the books are on the table.” Here, “the books” is closer to the verb “are,” so the plural verb is used.
The use of ‘nor’ follows the same rule: “Neither the students nor the teacher was present.” (singular) “Neither the teacher nor the students were present.” (plural).
Compound Subjects with ‘Both…And’
The construction both…and always indicates a plural subject. When this construction is used, the verb should invariably be in the plural form. This is because both…and explicitly refers to two distinct subjects acting or being considered together.
For example, “Both John and Mary are going to the party.” The verb “are” is plural because both John and Mary are performing the action of going to the party. There are no exceptions to this rule; both…and always requires a plural verb.
Compound Subjects with ‘Either…Or’/’Neither…Nor’
Similar to or and nor, the constructions either…or and neither…nor follow the proximity rule. The verb agreement depends on the subject closest to the verb. If the subject closest to the verb is singular, the verb should be singular. If the subject closest to the verb is plural, the verb should be plural.
For example, “Either the manager or the employees are responsible for the error.” Here, “the employees” is closer to the verb “are,” so the plural verb is used. Conversely, “Either the employees or the manager is responsible for the error.” Here, “the manager” is closer to the verb “is,” so the singular verb is used.
The same applies to ‘neither…nor’: “Neither the cat nor the dogs were fed.” (plural) “Neither the dogs nor the cat was fed.” (singular).
Examples of Compound Subjects
To further illustrate the concept of compound subjects, here are several examples categorized by the conjunction used. These examples will help clarify how compound subjects function in different contexts and how verb agreement is affected.
Table 1: Compound Subjects with ‘And’
| Sentence | Compound Subject | Verb |
|---|---|---|
| John and Mary are going to the movies. | John and Mary | are |
| The cat and the dog are playing in the yard. | The cat and the dog | are |
| My brother and I are planning a trip. | My brother and I | are |
| The book and the pen are on the table. | The book and the pen | are |
| Coffee and donuts are a classic combination. | Coffee and donuts | are |
| Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich. | Peanut butter and jelly | is |
| The singer and songwriter is performing tonight. | The singer and songwriter | is |
| The president and CEO is giving a speech. | The president and CEO | is |
| Love and compassion are essential qualities. | Love and compassion | are |
| Honesty and integrity are important values. | Honesty and integrity | are |
| The car and the motorcycle are in the garage. | The car and the motorcycle | are |
| My mother and father are coming to visit. | My mother and father | are |
| The teacher and the students are working hard. | The teacher and the students | are |
| The sun and the moon are celestial bodies. | The sun and the moon | are |
| The bread and the butter are on the counter. | The bread and the butter | are |
| The hammer and the nails are in the toolbox. | The hammer and the nails | are |
| The rain and the wind are making it difficult to drive. | The rain and the wind | are |
| The stars and the planets are visible tonight. | The stars and the planets | are |
| The trees and the flowers are blooming in the spring. | The trees and the flowers | are |
| The birds and the bees are busy in the garden. | The birds and the bees | are |
The table above illustrates various sentences with compound subjects connected by “and.” Notice that in most cases, the verb used is plural to reflect the combination of two or more subjects performing the action. However, there are exceptions, such as “Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich,” where the combined subject is considered a single entity.
Table 2: Compound Subjects with ‘Or’/’Nor’
| Sentence | Compound Subject | Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Either John or Mary is going to the store. | Either John or Mary | is |
| Either the cat or the dogs are barking. | Either the cat or the dogs | are |
| Neither the students nor the teacher is present. | Neither the students nor the teacher | is |
| Neither the teacher nor the students are prepared. | Neither the teacher nor the students | are |
| Either the book or the magazines are on the shelf. | Either the book or the magazines | are |
| Either the magazines or the book is on the shelf. | Either the magazines or the book | is |
| Neither the car nor the trucks were moving. | Neither the car nor the trucks | were |
| Neither the trucks nor the car was moving. | Neither the trucks nor the car | was |
| Either the rain or the snow is falling. | Either the rain or the snow | is |
| Either the snow or the rain is falling. | Either the snow or the rain | is |
| Neither the bread nor the cookies are fresh. | Neither the bread nor the cookies | are |
| Neither the cookies nor the bread is fresh. | Neither the cookies nor the bread | is |
| Either the sun or the clouds are out today. | Either the sun or the clouds | are |
| Either the clouds or the sun is out today. | Either the clouds or the sun | is |
| Neither the pen nor the pencils are sharp. | Neither the pen nor the pencils | are |
| Neither the pencils nor the pen is sharp. | Neither the pencils nor the pen | is |
| Either the coffee or the tea is ready. | Either the coffee or the tea | is |
| Either the tea or the coffee is ready. | Either the tea or the coffee | is |
| Neither the knife nor the forks are clean. | Neither the knife nor the forks | are |
| Neither the forks nor the knife is clean. | Neither the forks nor the knife | is |
This table demonstrates the use of ‘or’ and ‘nor’ in compound subjects. The key takeaway is to observe how the verb agreement changes based on the subject that is closest to the verb.
This proximity rule is crucial for correct grammar.
Table 3: Compound Subjects with ‘Both…And’
| Sentence | Compound Subject | Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Both John and Mary are invited. | Both John and Mary | are |
| Both the cat and the dog are sleeping. | Both the cat and the dog | are |
| Both my brother and I are going. | Both my brother and I | are |
| Both the book and the pen are useful. | Both the book and the pen | are |
| Both coffee and donuts are available. | Both coffee and donuts | are |
| Both the parents and the children are present. | Both the parents and the children | are |
| Both the teacher and the principal are involved. | Both the teacher and the principal | are |
| Both the car and the truck are parked outside. | Both the car and the truck | are |
| Both the sun and the moon are visible. | Both the sun and the moon | are |
| Both the bread and the butter are needed. | Both the bread and the butter | are |
| Both the hammer and the nails are required. | Both the hammer and the nails | are |
| Both the rain and the wind are strong. | Both the rain and the wind | are |
| Both the stars and the planets are beautiful. | Both the stars and the planets | are |
| Both the trees and the flowers are growing. | Both the trees and the flowers | are |
| Both the birds and the bees are active. | Both the birds and the bees | are |
| Both the actors and the director are working. | Both the actors and the director | are |
| Both the writer and the editor are collaborating. | Both the writer and the editor | are |
| Both the singer and the musicians are performing. | Both the singer and the musicians | are |
| Both the students and the teachers are learning. | Both the students and the teachers | are |
| Both the doctor and the nurse are caring. | Both the doctor and the nurse | are |
This table illustrates that when using ‘both…and’, the verb is always plural. This is because ‘both…and’ inherently refers to two separate entities or subjects, requiring a plural verb form.
Table 4: Compound Subjects with ‘Either…Or’/’Neither…Nor’
| Sentence | Compound Subject | Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Either John or his friends are going. | Either John or his friends | are |
| Neither Mary nor her sister is available. | Neither Mary nor her sister | is |
| Either the cat or I am responsible. | Either the cat or I | am |
| Neither the books nor the magazine is new. | Neither the books nor the magazine | is |
| Either the students or the principal is attending. | Either the students or the principal | is |
| Either the principal or the students are attending. | Either the principal or the students | are |
| Neither the cars nor the bus is running. | Neither the cars nor the bus | is |
| Neither the bus nor the cars are running. | Neither the bus nor the cars | are |
| Either the sun or the moon is shining. | Either the sun or the moon | is |
| Either the bread or the apples are missing. | Either the bread or the apples | are |
| Neither the hammer nor the screws are needed. | Neither the hammer nor the screws | are |
| Neither the rain nor the clouds are visible. | Neither the rain nor the clouds | are |
| Either the stars or the comet is bright. | Either the stars or the comet | is |
| Either the trees or the grass is green. | Either the trees or the grass | is |
| Neither the birds nor the nest is empty. | Neither the birds nor the nest | is |
| Neither the actors nor the play is ready. | Neither the actors nor the play | is |
| Either the writer or the publishers are interested. | Either the writer or the publishers | are |
| Either the singer or the songs are popular. | Either the singer or the songs | are |
| Neither the students nor the exam is easy. | Neither the students nor the exam | is |
| Neither the doctor nor the patients are happy. | Neither the doctor nor the patients | are |
| Either I or she is going to clean the kitchen tonight. | Either I or she | is |
| Neither he nor they are willing to help. | Neither he nor they | are |
| Either pizza or burgers are for dinner. | Either pizza or burgers | are |
| Either burgers or pizza is for dinner. | Either burgers or pizza | is |
| Neither the movie nor the songs are playing. | Neither the movie nor the songs | are |
| Neither the songs nor the movie is playing. | Neither the songs nor the movie | is |
| Either the phone or the keys are lost. | Either the phone or the keys | are |
| Either the keys or the phone is lost. | Either the keys or the phone | is |
This table shows examples of compound subjects using ‘either…or’ and ‘neither…nor’. Remember to always check the noun phrase closest to the verb to determine whether the verb should be singular or plural.
Usage Rules
Mastering the usage of compound subjects requires understanding several key rules, particularly concerning verb agreement, pronoun agreement, and handling collective nouns. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of exceptions to these rules.
Verb Agreement
The most important rule is verb agreement. As discussed earlier, when subjects are joined by and, the verb is generally plural. When subjects are joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. When using both…and, the verb is always plural. And when using either…or or neither…nor, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
However, there are exceptions. If the subjects joined by and refer to a single idea or entity, the verb is singular. For example, “Bacon and eggs is my favorite breakfast.” Here, “bacon and eggs” is considered a single dish. Similarly, if the subjects are preceded by each or every, the verb is singular. For example, “Each boy and girl has a pencil.”
Pronoun Agreement
Pronoun agreement is another important consideration. The pronoun used to refer back to the compound subject must agree in number and gender.
If the compound subject is plural, the pronoun should be plural. If the compound subject is singular, the pronoun should be singular.
For example, “John and Mary went to the store, and they bought groceries.” The pronoun “they” is plural because it refers to the plural compound subject “John and Mary.” If the compound subject uses or or nor, the pronoun should agree with the subject closest to it. For example, “Either John or his friends will bring their car.” The pronoun “their” is plural because it refers to “his friends,” which is closer to the pronoun.
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns, such as team, family, committee, can sometimes function as compound subjects. When a collective noun acts as a single unit, it takes a singular verb and pronoun. When the members of the collective noun are acting individually, it takes a plural verb and pronoun.
For example, “The team is playing well.” Here, the team is acting as a single unit. “The team are arguing about their roles.” Here, the members of the team are acting individually.
Exceptions
There are a few exceptions to the general rules. As mentioned earlier, if subjects joined by and refer to a single idea, the verb is singular. Also, certain phrases that appear to be compound subjects may actually function as single units. For example, “Trial and error is a common learning method.”
Another exception involves compound subjects that are modified by each or every. In these cases, the verb is singular, even if the subjects are joined by and. For example, “Every student and teacher is required to attend.”
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is incorrect verb agreement, particularly when using or and nor. It’s crucial to remember the proximity rule. Another common mistake is using a singular pronoun to refer to a plural compound subject, or vice versa.
Table 5: Correct vs. Incorrect Examples
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| John or Mary are going to the store. | John or Mary is going to the store. | “Mary” is closer to the verb, and it is singular. |
| The cat and dog is playing in the yard. | The cat and dog are playing in the yard. | “The cat and dog” is a plural subject. |
| Neither the students nor the teacher are ready. | Neither the students nor the teacher is ready. | “Teacher” is closer to the verb, and it is singular. |
| Both John and Mary is coming to the party. | Both John and Mary are coming to the party. | “Both…and” always requires a plural verb. |
| Every student and teacher have a book. | Every student and teacher has a book. | “Every” makes the verb singular. |
| The team is arguing about it’s roles. | The team are arguing about their roles. | When acting individually, the collective noun takes a plural verb and pronoun. |
| Either the book or the magazines is on the table. | Either the book or the magazines are on the table. | The subject closest to the verb, ‘magazines’, is plural. |
| Neither the cat nor the dogs was fed. | Neither the cat nor the dogs were fed. | The subject closest to the verb, ‘dogs’, is plural. |
| Both the car and the truck is new. | Both the car and the truck are new. | The phrase ‘both and’ always requires a plural verb. |
| The singer and songwriter are known for their unique style. | The singer and songwriter is known for his unique style. | The singer and songwriter is the same person. |
This table highlights common errors made when using compound subjects and provides the correct alternatives, along with explanations of the grammatical rules involved.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of compound subjects, complete the following exercises. These exercises cover identifying compound subjects, correcting verb agreement, and completing sentences with appropriate verbs.
Exercise 1: Identifying Compound Subjects
Identify the compound subject in each of the following sentences:
- John and Mary are going to the park.
- Either the cat or the dog is responsible for the mess.
- Both my brother and I enjoy playing video games.
- Neither the students nor the teacher was prepared for the quiz.
- The book and the pen are on the desk.
- Either the rain or the snow will delay our flight.
- Both the actors and the director were praised for their work.
- Neither the car nor the truck is working.
- John, Mary, and Peter are on the committee.
- The singer and the dancer are performing tonight.
Answer Key:
- John and Mary
- Either the cat or the dog
- Both my brother and I
- Neither the students nor the teacher
- The book and the pen
- Either the rain or the snow
- Both the actors and the director
- Neither the car nor the truck
- John, Mary, and Peter
- The singer and the dancer
Exercise 2: Correcting Verb Agreement
Correct the verb agreement in the following sentences:
- John and Mary is going to the store.
- Either the cat or the dogs is barking.
- Both my brother and I is planning a trip.
- Neither the students nor the teacher are present.
- The book and the pen is on the table.
- Either the rain or the snow are falling.
- Both the actors and the director was praised.
- Neither the car nor the trucks was moving.
- Every student and teacher have a book.
- Peanut butter and jelly are my favorite.
Answer Key:
- John and Mary are going to the store.
- Either the cat or the dogs are barking.
- Both my brother and I are planning a trip.
- Neither the students nor the teacher is present.
- The book and the pen are on the table.
- Either the rain or the snow is falling.
- Both the actors and the director were praised.
- Neither the car nor the trucks were moving.
- Every student and teacher has a book.
- Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite.
Exercise 3: Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the verb in parentheses:
- John and Mary _______ (be) going to the movies.
- Either the cat or the dogs _______ (be) hungry.
- Both my brother and I _______ (enjoy) playing video games.
- Neither the students nor the teacher _______ (be) prepared.
- The book and the pen _______ (be) on the desk.
- Either the rain or the snow _______ (affect) the roads.
- Both the actors and the director _______ (receive) awards.
- Neither the car nor the trucks _______ (start).
- Every student and teacher _______ (need) a pencil.
- Peanut butter and jelly _______ (be) my favorite sandwich.
Answer Key:
- John and Mary are (be) going to the movies.
- Either the cat or the dogs are (be) hungry.
- Both my brother and I enjoy (enjoy) playing video games.
- Neither the students nor the teacher was (be) prepared.
- The book and the pen are (be) on the desk.
- Either the rain or the snow affects (affect) the roads.
- Both the actors and the director received (receive) awards.
- Neither the car nor the trucks start (start).
- Every student and teacher needs (need) a pencil.
- Peanut butter and jelly is (be) my favorite sandwich.
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding compound subjects in more complex sentence structures is essential. This includes dealing with inverted sentences and delayed subjects.
Inverted Sentences
Inverted sentences are those in which the subject and verb are not in the typical order. This can make identifying the compound subject and ensuring correct verb agreement more challenging.
Inverted sentences often begin with adverbs or prepositions.
For example, “Under the tree are the cat and the dog.” In this sentence, the verb “are” comes before the compound subject “the cat and the dog.” The verb must still agree with the compound subject, so the plural verb “are” is correct.
Delayed Subjects
Delayed subjects are those that appear later in the sentence, often after an introductory phrase or clause. These can also make verb agreement more difficult.
For example, “There are John and Mary waiting for you.” In this sentence, “John and Mary” is the compound subject, and the verb “are” agrees with it. Recognizing the true subject is crucial for correct verb agreement in such cases.
FAQ
- What is a compound subject?
A compound subject is a subject that consists of two or more nouns
or pronouns joined by a conjunction, typically and, or, or nor. It performs the action or is described by the verb in a sentence.
- How does verb agreement work with compound subjects joined by “and”?
Generally, when subjects are joined by “and,” the verb should be plural. However, if the subjects refer to a single entity or are preceded by “each” or “every,” the verb should be singular.
- How does verb agreement work with compound subjects joined by “or” or “nor”?
When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. This is known as the proximity rule.
- What is the proximity rule?
The proximity rule states that when subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb should agree with the subject that is closest to the verb.
- How do I handle pronoun agreement with compound subjects?
The pronoun used to refer back to the compound subject must agree in number and gender. If the compound subject is plural, the pronoun should be plural. If it’s singular, the pronoun should be singular.
- What are some common mistakes to avoid when using compound subjects?
Common mistakes include incorrect verb agreement, especially with “or” and “nor,” and using a singular pronoun to refer to a plural compound subject, or vice versa.
- What are collective nouns and how do they function as compound subjects?
Collective nouns (e.g., team, family) can function as compound subjects. When the collective noun acts as a single unit, it takes a singular verb and pronoun. When the members of the collective noun are acting individually, it takes a plural verb and pronoun.
- What is an inverted sentence and how does it affect compound subjects?
An inverted sentence is one in which the subject and verb are not in the typical order. This can make identifying the compound subject and ensuring correct verb agreement more challenging, but the rules of agreement still apply.
- How do I identify delayed subjects in a sentence?
Delayed subjects appear later in the sentence, often after an introductory phrase or clause. Recognizing the true subject is crucial for correct verb agreement in such cases.
- Are there any exceptions to the general rules of compound subjects?
Yes, exceptions include cases where subjects joined by “and” refer to a single idea, or when subjects are modified by “each” or “every,” which requires a singular verb.
Conclusion
Mastering compound subjects is essential for clear and grammatically correct writing and speech. By understanding the types of compound subjects, the rules of verb and pronoun agreement, and common exceptions, you can confidently construct sentences that accurately convey your intended meaning.
Practice identifying compound subjects in various contexts, and pay close attention to verb agreement to avoid common mistakes. With consistent effort, you’ll enhance your command of the English language and improve your communication skills.