Compound Subjects and Predicates Explained + Sample Sentences

Every sentence must have a subject and a verb to be complete. But what happens if your sentence has two subjects performing the same action — or a subject performing two different actions? Compound subjects and compound predicates can add variety and depth to your writing. Learn more about these parts of a sentence before diving into specific examples using compound subjects and verbs.

What Is a Compound Subject?

When a sentence has two or more subjects, that’s called a compound subject. These subjects perform the same action and are equally important in the sentence. But how does it work with the subject-verb agreement? Are compound subjects considered to be plural or singular?

Compound subjects are considered plural when joined by a coordinating conjunction, such as "and." For example:

Use a plural verb when joining two subjects in this way. When using a correlative conjunction ("either/or" or "neither/nor"), the verb agrees with the subject that is closest to the verb. For example:

• The piano or the bookcase has to go. ("bookcase" is singular; so is "has")
• The piano or the tables have to go. ("tables" is plural; so is "have")

• Neither the pillows nor the curtains match the couch. ("curtains" is plural; so is "match")
• Neither the pillows nor the blanket matches the couch. ("blanket is singular; so is "matches")

Notice that in all of these sentences, both subjects are performing the action. Compound subjects are a good way to show that more than one noun is important in the sentence.

Sentences With Compound Subjects

Take a look at the following sentences with compound subjects. Can you spot the action both subjects are performing?

1. Potato chips and cupcakes are bad for you.
2. Either you or your brother is going to be punished.
3. Uncle Jim, Aunt Sue and my cousinJake went to Jamaica on vacation.
4. Everything on the bed and everything in the closet was organized in under an hour.
5. Neither thematches nor thecandles caused the fire.
6. Beth and Kendra love to read.
7. All the children and all the adults agreed to order pizza.
8. Theboots by the door and the flip-flops in the living room need to be put away.
9. The romance and the comedy are good choices to watch.
10. Neither therugs nor thecarpet has been vacuumed.
11. Anyone on the soccer team and anyone on the basketball team is eligible for the scholarship.
12. The third-grade class and their parents are attending the school play.
13. Either the chicken or the beef in the freezer needs to be thawed for dinner tonight.
14. My brother and my sister are mad at me.
15. Nobody in the bank and nobody in the store saw the accident.