Compound Subjects

Today we’re discussing subjects that contain the word “and.” You generally think “plural” if you see an “and,” but that’s not always the case.

Simple singular and plural subjects

Let’s start with some sentences that have definitely singular or definitely plural subjects. The subject in “The clown is juggling” is obviously singular; one clown is doing something. “Two clowns and the ringmaster are juggling” contains an “and,” and since three people are involved, that subject is plural.

Singular compound subjects with 'and'

Now for some subjects that contain an “and” but are singular. This might sound weird at first, but you probably say such sentences every day. Take these two singular sentences: “Peanut butter and jelly is available in the cafeteria,” and “Meat and potatoes was my grandfather’s favorite meal.” In these mouth-watering sentences, the two items combine to form a single unit—one dish—and this is the crux of the matter. As Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage explains, “When the nouns form ‘a collective idea’ or ‘a oneness of idea,’ the singular verb is appropriate.” (1) Another example is “spaghetti and meatballs”:  “Spaghetti and meatballs goes well with garlic bread.” 

"Spaghetti and meatballs" can form a single dish and be singular.

A compound subject that describes a single person

You might also find yourself referring to one person in two ways in a sentence, and if you do so, you will use a singular verb. Consider this example in which the writer is saying her husband is also her best friend: “My husband and best friend likes doing the dishes.” Although the subject “my husband and best friend” contains an “and,” the subject refers to one person. If you use a plural verb and say, “My husband and best friend like doing the dishes,” then two people are scrubbing. In this case, your husband is not your best friend.

Different and separable compound subjects

What if the ideas joined by “and” refer to more than one person or do not form one concept? Then, the sentence is plural. Noted grammarian Bryan Garner explains, “If two or more subjects joined by 'and' are different and separable, they take a plural verb.” (2) If you say, “Peanut butter and potatoes are my favorite foods,” you are listing two separate items that you like. I’ve...

Keep reading on Quick and Dirty Tips