We continue with our 12 essential subject-verb agreement rules:

4. With two or more subjects joined by and (a compound subject), use a plural verb.
   Example:
   The secretary and the treasurer are (plural) responsible for presenting the annual report.

   NOTE: When two parts of a compound subject refer to the same person or thing, use a singular verb.
   Example:
   My boss and mentor (one person) has always been (singular) helpful to me.

   Also, when the compound subject is preceded by each or every, use a singular verb.
   Example:
   Every file drawer and bookcase (singular) was (singular) searched.
    

5. With two or more singular subjects joined by or or nor, use a singular verb. If one of the subjects is plural and one is singular, make the verb agree with the subject closer to it.
   Examples:
   Neither the secretary (singular) nor the clerk (singular) has received (singular) her paycheck.
   
   Neither the secretary (singular) nor the two clerks (plural) have received (plural) their paychecks.
   
   Neither the two secretaries (plural) nor the clerk (singular) has received (singular) her paycheck.

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This edition was adapted from our Business Grammar Program.

Previous editions may be read at http://www.uliveandlearn.com/newsletters/index.cfm.
 

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