When it comes to writing, there are many rules and guidelines to follow. One aspect that often confuses people is agreement with compound subjects. This refers to the way that verbs and pronouns must match the subject or subjects in terms of number and person. In this article, we`ll explore the rules of agreement with compound subjects in more detail.
First, let`s define what we mean by compound subjects. A compound subject is a subject made up of two or more nouns or pronouns joined by a conjunction (such as “and” or “or”). For example, “John and Sarah went to the store.” In this sentence, “John and Sarah” make up the compound subject.
When it comes to agreement with compound subjects, the basic rule is that the verb or pronoun must match the number and person of the subjects. For example, if the compound subject is plural, then the verb or pronoun must also be plural. If the compound subject is singular, then the verb or pronoun must also be singular.
Let`s take a look at some examples to illustrate this point. Consider the following sentences:
– John and Sarah are going to the store.
– John or Sarah is going to the store.
In the first sentence, the compound subject (“John and Sarah”) is plural, so the verb “are” is also plural. In the second sentence, the compound subject (“John or Sarah”) is singular, so the verb “is” is also singular.
It`s important to note that if the subjects in a compound subject are different persons (such as “I” and “you”), then the pronouns used will depend on the context. For example:
– John and I are going to the store.
– John and you are going to the store.
– You and I are going to the store.
In the first sentence, the compound subject (“John and I”) is plural, so the verb “are” is also plural. In the second sentence, the compound subject (“John and you”) is also plural, so the verb “are” is used again. In the third sentence, the compound subject (“you and I”) is also plural, so again, the verb “are” is used.
In conclusion, when it comes to agreement with compound subjects, the key is to make sure the verb or pronoun matches the number and person of the subjects. Remember to consider the context when dealing with different persons in a compound subject. By following these simple rules, you can ensure your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct – all while improving your SEO and making your content more accessible to readers.