IXL | Use the correct verb – with compound subjects

Complete the sentence with the best verb.

Whenever

Buddy

runs out into the yard,

the chickens and the rooster

disappears

into the coop.

disappears

disappear

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Learn with an example

question

Complete the sentence with the best verb.

Whenever

Carmen and Troy

hears

the bells of the neighborhood ice cream truck, they quickly run upstairs to get some money.

hear

hears

key idea

A compound subject is made up of two subjects joined by the conjunction and, or, or nor.

Mark and Amanda	This week or next
Either Wendy or I	Neither Josh nor my friends

When a compound subject is joined by and, use a plural verb. Plural verbs usually do not end in -s, -es, or -ies.

Where do Mark and Amanda go to school?

When a compound subject is joined by or or nor, use a verb that agrees with the subject that is closest to the verb.

If the subject closest to the verb is a singular subject other than I or you, use a singular verb. Singular verbs end in -s, -es, or -ies.

This week or next seems likely to be hectic.

If the subject closest to the verb is I, you, or a plural subject, use a plural verb. Again, plural verbs usually do not end in -s, -es, or -ies.

Either Wendy or I open the shop every morning.

After reading the reviews, neither Josh nor my friends expect the movie to be successful.

solution

Look at the subject, Carmen and Troy. It is a compound subject joined by the conjunction and, so it goes with a plural verb. Plural verbs usually do not end in -s, -es, or -ies.

Carmen and Troy hear

Therefore, the best verb to complete the sentence is hear.

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NN.2Use the correct subject or verb – with compound subjects

KK.1Use the correct subject or verb

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