A compound subject has two or more parts joined by and, or or nor. The joining word decides the verb. Build on what you know from Subject–Verb Agreement.
- And adds the parts into a group, so the verb is plural: “The cat and the dog are hungry.”
- Or and nor pick one part, so the verb agrees with the part nearer to it: “Either the cats or the dog is hungry.” “Neither the dog nor the cats are hungry.”
Key idea
And makes a plural subject. With or or nor, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Why it works
And adds: two animals are hungry. Or chooses: only one of them is, and the verb matches the one beside it. Many writers put the plural part last, because “or the cats are” sounds smoother.
Worked example: Joined by and
Pizza and salad (is / are) on the menu.
- Two things joined by and: pizza and salad.
- Together they are plural.
Answer: Pizza and salad are on the menu.
Worked example: Neither … nor
Neither my sister nor my brothers (like / likes) spinach.
- The parts are joined by nor, so look at the nearer part.
- The nearer part is brothers, which is plural.
- Brothers like.
Answer: Neither my sister nor my brothers like spinach.
Worked example: Either … or, singular part last
Either the students or the teacher (has / have) the key.
- Nearer part: teacher, singular, so has.
- If that sounds odd, switch the order: “Either the teacher or the students have the key.”
Answer: Either the students or the teacher has the key.
Common mistake
Treating or like and: “Either the cats or the dog are hungry.” With or or nor, only one part counts: the one closest to the verb. Point to it, then choose the verb.
One small exception: when two words joined by and name one thing, such as one dish, the verb is singular: “Macaroni and cheese is my favorite.”