- Two or more nouns joined by and
Generally speaking, two or more nouns joined by and form a plural compound subject and take a plural verb.
The faculties of Physics and Mathematics are planning to share the laboratory. Dr Puig and Dr Davis have made another proposal.
However, when the nouns describe a single person, thing or concept, use a singular verb.His first teacher and lifelong mentor is reading the opening address. The canteen reported that fish and chips was more popular than paella. Today’s research and development is facing many new challenges. - Two or more nouns joined by or or nor
When the compound subject contains or or nor, make the verb agree with the part of the subject closest to it.In filter media testing, either one PFE or three VFE are generally recommended. In filter media testing, three VFE or one PFE is generally recommended. Neither the teachers nor the Erasmus office is under any obligation to reschedule your class. Neither your tutor nor your co-supervisors need to be notified until the third week. - The expressions together with and as well as
When expressions like together with and as well as (and the nouns they are attached to) are written between commas, they do not make singular subjects plural.The Mathematics Library, together with the other faculty libraries, is hoping to extend its opening hours. The Boix i Rovira building, as well as the private chapel and park, has now opened its doors to the public.
Recommended citation:
«Verbs with compound subjects» [en línia]. A: Llibre d’estil de la Universitat de Barcelona. Barcelona: Universitat de Barcelona. Serveis Lingüístics. <https://www.ub.edu/llibre-estil/criteri.php?id=3642> [consulta: 18 juliol 2025].