Compound Subjects

When two ore more subjects are compounded with and, they agree with a plural verb.

Rain makes arthritis flare up.
Rain and fog make arthritis flare up.

Application 11

When subjects are compounded with or or nor, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Blueberries taste good after a spicy meal.
Either blueberries or pineapple tastes good after a spicy meal.
Either pineapple or blueberries taste good after a spicy meal.

Read the last two sentences aloud and listen to the way each verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Application 12

Watch out for the difference between compound subjects joined by and and compound subjects joined by or or nor.

Rain and fog make arthritis flare up.
Rain or fog makes arthritis flare up.

Application 13

/* */ CONTENTS MAIN PAGE Chapter 12 Contents 12.1 Pretest 12.2 Writing 12.3 Present Tenses 12.4 Was and Were 12.5 There is, There are, and There Were 12.6 Modifying Phrases or Clauses 12.7 Indefinite Pronouns as Subjects 12.8 Who, Which, and That as Subjects 12.9 Compound Subjects 12.10 Review and Practice Part 1 12.10 Review and Practice Part 2 12.11 Fun with Grammar 12.12 Return to Your Writing 12.13 Mastery Test