Definition:
A subject that consists of two or more simple subjects joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or) and that have the same predicate. See also:
Examples and Observations:
- Adam and Eve were naked.
- Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the lives of many people who lived in the Gulf Coast region.
- "A life of leisure and a life of laziness are two things. There will be sleeping enough in the grave."
(Benjamin Franklin) - Gus or Merdine will drive you to the station.
- Bacon and eggs are a classic combo--one of our favorite meals.
- Bacon and eggs is a popular breakfast meal in many countries.
- Neither the director nor her assistant has replied to our invitation.
- "Normally a subject made up of more than one element takes a plural verb ("The President and Congress are at loggerheads"), although occasionally, when the elements add up to the same idea, the verb is singular ("The wear and tear on the car was tremendous"). But focus an eye on these compound subjects followed by singular verbs, all of which are correct:
- Everything in the cupboard and everything on the table was smashed.
- Everybody favoring the plan and everybody leaning toward it was interviewed.
- Nobody in my house and nobody on my street has been robbed.
- Anyone who has read the book and anybody who has even heard of its ideas agrees with the author.
"An odd quirk that proves nothing aside from the fact that some rules do have exceptions."
(Theodore Bernstein, Miss Thistlebottom's Hobgoblins, 1971) - Tea and home-made pies or coffee and doughnuts were served by the Salvation Army.
