Agreement when subjects are joined with and

A subject with two or more parts is said to be compound. If the parts are connected by and, the subject is nearly always plural.

Example sentence: Leon and Jan often jog together. Explanation: 'Leon and Jan' is a compound subject, so the verb is 'jog.'

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Jill's natural ability and her desire to help others has led to a career in the ministry. Revised sentence: Jill's natural ability and her desire to help others have led to a career in the ministry. Explanation: The word 'has' has been replaced by 'have.'

Ability and desire is a plural subject, so its verb should be have.

EXCEPTIONS:When the parts of the subject form a single unit or refer to the same person or thing, treat the subject as singular.

Example sentence: Strawberries and cream was a last-minute addition to the menu.

Example sentence: Sue's friend and adviser was surprised by her decision.

When a compound subject is preceded by each or every, treat the subject as singular.

Example sentence: Each tree, shrub, and vine needs to be sprayed.

This exception does not apply when a compound subject is followed by each:

Example sentence: Alan and Maria each have different ideas.

Subject-verb agreement at a glance

When to use the -s (or -es) form of a present-tense verb

Exercises:

Subject-verb agreement 1

Subject-verb agreement 2

Subject-verb agreement 3

Subject-verb agreement 4

Related topic:

Pronoun-antecedent agreement with compound antecedents