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Compound Subjects Exercises

A2 Level

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A compound subject consists of two or more nouns joined by a word like and, or, nor. The joining word determines the verb form. Subjects joined by and are usually plural: "Tom and Sarah are friends" — two people, so the verb is "are." The main exception is when "and" connects two things that form a single idea: "Bread and butter is my favourite breakfast" — one combination, one meal.

With or and nor, the verb agrees with the nearest subject. "Neither the teacher nor the students were ready" — "students" is nearest and plural, so "were." "Neither the students nor the teacher was ready" — "teacher" is nearest and singular, so "was." The same rule applies to either...or: "Either the cats or the dog needs feeding" — "dog" is nearest and singular. This "nearest subject" rule is one of the most common A2-level test questions, and getting it right shows strong control of English grammar.

Quick Rule

A and B + plural verb (single concept = singular) | A or / nor B + verb matching nearest subject

1.My brother and I play tennis every weekend. ("and" joins — plural verb)
2.Neither the manager nor the staff were informed. (nearest subject "staff" — plural verb)
3.Rice and chicken is a popular dish worldwide. (single concept — singular verb)
4.My dog or my cat doesn't like the new food. (nearest "cat" — singular verb, negative)
5.Both the hotel and the restaurant have excellent reviews. ("both...and" — always plural)