Agreement

With
Compound
A. Compound subjects joined by and usually require a
plural verb

• Chocolate and strawberry are my two favorite

flavors of ice cream.
• Furniture and paper are two uses for wood.
• A magazine and a book are on the table.

However, when the words of a compound subject

joined by and denote the same person or thing, or
together represent a single unit of idea, a singular
verb is required.

• Dinuguan and puto makes a hearty snack.

• My friend and neighbor is here.
B. Compound subjects joined by either-or and neither-nor take singular
or plural verb depending on the nearer subject

• Neither the president nor her assistant has

replied to the accusation.

• Either you or your friend needs to tell me what

happened.

• Neither the basement nor the bedroom has been

vacuumed.

• Either the monkeys or the giraffes will get a new

habitat at the zoo.

• Neither yellow nor red will match that comforter.

C. A compound subject involving the use of each or every takes a
singular verb

• Every boy and girl is required to attend the

convocation.

• Either you or your friend needs to tell me what

happened.

• Neither the basement nor the bedroom has been

vacuumed.

• Either the monkeys or the giraffes will get a new

habitat at the zoo.

• Neither yellow nor red will match that comforter.