Proximity Rule: Subject-Verb Agreement with Or and Nor Quiz

A subject with two nouns joined by and is usually plural, so it takes a plural verb.

The dog and the cat is a plural subject, so it needs the plural verb are playing.

Teacher and principal make a plural subject, so the plural verb walk is correct.

The boy and the girl is a compound subject with two nouns, so it needs a plural verb.

Sister and brother make a plural subject, so are is the correct plural verb.

Two nouns joined by and count as more than one, so the subject is usually plural.

The cat and the dog are two animals together, so the subject is plural, not singular.

Pencil and eraser form a plural subject, so the plural verb are matches correctly.

B and D use singular verbs with plural subjects, so the agreement is incorrect.

Backpack and lunchbox make a plural subject, so we use the verb are.

Mom and Dad form a plural subject, so we use the plural verb cook.

Teacher and students make a plural subject, so we use the plural verb explain.

Lily and Max are two people, so the plural verb ride agrees with the plural subject.

Book and pencil together are plural, so the verb should be are, not is.

A, C, and E each have two nouns joined by and, so they are plural subjects.

When two nouns are joined by and, they usually make a plural subject that needs a plural verb.

B and D use plural verbs eat and are to match the plural subjects joined by and.

Boy and girl form a plural subject, so the plural verb are is needed.

He and I are two people, so the plural verb are matches the compound subject.

Plates and cups are more than one thing together, so the verb are is correct.