1. Compound Subjects:
* Definition: These are subjects made up of two or more nouns or pronouns joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, or, but).
* Example: *The dog and the cat* played in the yard.
* Verb Agreement: The verb agrees with the combined subjects. If the subjects are plural, the verb is plural. If the subjects are singular, the verb is singular.
* Example: *The dog and the cat* are playing in the yard. (plural subjects, plural verb)
2. Plural Subjects:
* Definition: These are subjects that are made up of two or more individual items or people. They are often marked by an "-s" or "-es" ending.
* Example: *The cats* chased the mouse.
* Verb Agreement: The verb always agrees with the plural subject.
* Example: *The cats* are chasing the mouse. (plural subject, plural verb)
3. Collective Subjects:
* Definition: These are subjects that refer to a group of individuals acting as a single unit.
* Examples: *The team,* *the committee,* *the family*
* Verb Agreement:
* Singular Verb: Use a singular verb if the collective noun is acting as a single unit.
* Example: *The team* is practicing. (The team is acting as one unit)
* Plural Verb: Use a plural verb if the members of the group are acting individually.
* Example: *The team* are arguing about the game plan. (The team members are acting as individuals)
Key Differences:
* Compound Subjects: Two or more individual subjects joined together.
* Plural Subjects: Multiple items or people acting as a single unit.
* Collective Subjects: A group of individuals that can be treated as singular or plural, depending on the context.
Let me know if you'd like more examples or have any other grammar questions!