Is this true or false? When a the subject of sentence has 2 or more nouns or pronouns connected by “and,” the subject is singular and requires a singular verb.
Does 1 + 1 = 1 ???
This statement is false. When the subject of a sentence has two or more nouns or pronouns connected by "and," the subject is generally plural and requires a plural verb. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. To determine whether the subject is singular or plural, you need to consider whether the nouns or pronouns are acting together as a unit or individually.
To understand how to identify the subject and determine its verb agreement, follow these steps:
1. Identify the subject: Find the noun or pronoun that the verb is describing. Generally, the subject comes before the verb in a sentence.
2. Check for "and": If you find the word "and" connecting two or more nouns or pronouns, you need to determine if they are acting as a collective unit (singular) or individually (plural).
3. Consider the context: Look at how the nouns or pronouns are being used in the sentence. Are they referring to a group or acting separately? This will help you determine the subject's number.
4. Apply verb agreement: If the subjects are acting as a unit, use a singular verb. If the subjects are acting separately, use a plural verb.
For example:
- Singular subject: "The cat and the dog sleeps on the couch." (Incorrect) The subject "the cat and the dog" is acting as a collective unit, so the correct verb should be "sleep."
- Plural subject: "The cat sleeps on the couch, and the dog plays in the yard." (Correct) The subject "the cat" (singular) and "the dog" (singular) are acting separately, so the verbs "sleeps" and "plays" agree with their respective subjects.
Remember, language can sometimes have exceptions and special cases, so it's always helpful to consult a grammar guide or reference if you're unsure.