Agreement of Subjects and Verbs: Subjects in the Form of A and B
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28 Jun 2015, 15:55
Subjects in the form of A and B are called compound-additive subjects. Generally, a plural verb is used when you are dealing with compound additive subjects.
This year's annual excursion and our graduation ceremony are scheduled for January.
However, there are six rules when you must use a singular verb when working with compound-additive subjects
Rule #1: Use a singular verb when both elements of a compound-additive are synonyms.
The killing and slaying of innocent people as regards the war on terrorism is repugnant.
Rule #2: Use a singular verb when the meanings of the two elements of a compound-additive subject are so closely related that they overlapped.
The extent and degree of their crimes is unspecified.
Rule #3: Use a singular verb to emphasize the double nature of something or somebody
My boss and mentor lacks enthusiasm.
Rule # 4: Use a singular verb to express an idea as a single unit.
This nice and easy job is not appropriate for an experienced worker.
Rule # 5: Certain pairs of words are used as part of a single process. Use a singular verb for this type of compound-additive subject
The supply and demand of books on Amazon remain unchanged.
Rule # 6: When you use the adjective "every" or "each" before one or more nouns in a compound-additive subject, use a singular subject except when the pronoun "each" is used after the two or more nouns in a compound-additive subject.
Every nation and world organization has made allegations of human right abuses against this government.
The adults and children each are required to take the vaccine.