The subject and the verb in a sentence or clause must agree in number.

A compound subject is made up of two subjects joined by the conjunction and, or or nor.

• Mark and his sister
• This week or next
• Neither Josh nor Owen

When a compound subject is joined by and, use a plural verb. Plural verbs usually do not end in -s.

Where do Mark and his sister work?

However, when each, every or many a precedes a compound subject joined by and, use a singular verb. Singular verbs usually end in -s.

Each painting and sculpture has a description next to it.

When a compound subject is joined by or or nor, use a verb that agrees with the subject that is closest to the verb.

• If the subject closest to the verb is singular, use a singular verb.
  This week or next is best for me.
• If the subject closest to the verb is plural, use a plural verb.
  Neither Josh nor my friends expect the film to be successful.

Some expressions, like accompanied by, as well as, together with and in addition to, mean something similar to and but do not form a compound subject.

Owen, together with several of his friends, plays basketball on Mondays.

Learn with an example

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