English Grammar is built upon a foundation of rules that guide us in writing and speaking correctly. Today, we are going to learn Rule Number Two of English Grammar, which deals with the agreement of the verb with the subject when two singular nouns or pronouns are joined by and. This is an important concept because sometimes the verb takes a plural form and sometimes, in exceptional cases, it remains singular when the two words express one idea, one person, or one thing.
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Rule Number Two of English Grammar: Agreement of Verb with Compound Subjects (Joined by and)
2. When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are joined by and, they require a plural verb.
Examples with Explanation
- Gold and silver are precious metals.
- Subject: Gold and silver (two different things, joined by and).
- Verb: are (plural).
Since there are two metals, the verb must be plural.
- Fire and water do not agree.
- Subject: Fire and water (two different things).
- Verb: do not agree (plural).
Two different elements, so we need a plural verb.
- Knowledge and wisdom have oftentimes no connection.
- Subject: Knowledge and wisdom (two different qualities).
- Verb: have (plural).
Because two abstract nouns are joined, plural verb is correct.
- Are your father and mother at home?
- Subject: father and mother (two people).
- Verb: are (plural).
Asking about two different persons, so verb must be plural.
- In him were centred their love and their ambition.
- Subject: love and ambition (two things).
- Verb: were centred (plural).
Since two abstract nouns are the subject, plural verb were is used.
- He and I were playing.
- Subject: He and I (two persons).
- Verb: were playing (plural).
As two persons are performing the action, we use plural verb.
Exception to Rule Number Two
If the nouns joined by and suggest one single idea, or refer to the same person or thing, the verb becomes singular.
Examples with Explanation
- Time and tide waits for no man.
- Subject: time and tide (considered one combined idea).
- Verb: waits (singular).
Treated as a proverb, expressing one thought.
- The horse and carriage is at the door.
- Subject: horse and carriage (considered one unit of transport).
- Verb: is (singular).
Together they form one vehicle.
- Bread and butter is his only food.
- Subject: bread and butter (treated as one food item).
- Verb: is (singular).
Considered as a single dish.
- Honour and glory is his reward.
- Subject: honour and glory (expressing one combined idea).
- Verb: is (singular).
Both words together mean “fame.”
- The rise and fall of the tide is due to lunar influence.
- Subject: rise and fall of the tide (considered one natural phenomenon).
- Verb: is (singular).
The whole process is seen as one.
- My friend and benefactor has come.
- Subject: friend and benefactor (the same person described in two ways).
- Verb: has come (singular).
Refers to one person with two roles.
- The novelist and poet is dead.
- Subject: novelist and poet (the same person).
- Verb: is dead (singular).
Describing one individual with two titles.
Key Point of Rule 2
- If two or more nouns/pronouns joined by and are different, verb = plural.
- If two or more nouns/pronouns joined by and refer to one idea or one person/thing, verb = singular.
Important Tip:
Whenever two nouns joined by and are:
- a fixed phrase / proverb (e.g., time and tide)
- one dish or food (e.g., bread and butter, fish and chips)
- one process/phenomenon (e.g., rise and fall, trial and error)
- a title or role for one person (e.g., my friend and benefactor)
Treat the whole subject as singular and use a singular verb.
MCQs of Rule Number Two of English Grammar: Agreement of Verb with Compound Subjects
Q. Gold and silver ___ precious metals.
a) is
b) are
c) was
d) has
Q. Bread and butter ___ his only food.
a) are
b) were
c) is
d) have
Q. Fire and water ___ not agree.
a) do
b) does
c) was
d) is
Q. Law and order ___ necessary for peace.
a) are
b) is
c) were
d) have
Q. Knowledge and wisdom ___ of times no connection.
a) has
b) was
c) have
d) is
Q. Fish and chips ___ my favorite dinner.
a) are
b) was
c) have
d) is
Q. Are your father and mother at home?
a) Yes, he is
b) Yes, they are
c) Yes, she is
d) Yes, it is
Q. Salt and pepper ___ on the table.
a) is
b) are
c) was
d) has
Q. He and I ___ playing.
a) am
b) were
c) was
d) is
Q. Peace and quiet ___ all I need.
a) are
b) is
c) were
d) have
Learn Rule Number 2 of English Grammar