Two singular subjects referring to one person
If two singular subjects linked together by the coordinating conjunction and refers to one person or thing, it is the singular very that must be used. Someone may ask how. Let's consider an example or two.
The Vice-Principal and Chemistry teacher is sick.
Read the example above carefully. In the example above, the vice-principal and chemistry teacher is the same person. Really? Yes! But how? I will explain.
Did you notice that the example did not read:
1. The Vice-Principal and the Chemistry teacher...?
It reads:
2. The Vice-Principal and () Chemistry teacher...
If you say The Vice-Principal and Chemistry teacher... you are referring to one person (the same person).
However, if you say The Vice-Principal and the Chemistry teacher... you are referring to two persons (different persons). In other words, the vice-principal is different from the chemistry teacher. Understood? I should like to think so (smiles).
Let's consider another example.
The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria has condemned the killings.
Notice carefully we didn't say, The President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria... (that will mean two individuals)
You therefore have to be careful of expressions such as the following when they refer to the same person.
On this special day, I celebrate my lover, my friend and my sweet heart.
That is three persons being referred to in the example above, not one!
It should read:
On this special day, I celebrate my lover, friend and sweet heart.
So, when two singular subjects linked together by the coordinating conjunction and, the singular verb must be used.
I will advise that you carefully read the explanations provided in this post and the previous.
Previous posts on English concord rules:
Practice Exercise
1. Our principal and chairman of the occasion ...... just arrived.
A. has
B. having
C. have
D. had
2. The Emir and Conqueror of the enemy territories ...... next week.
A. arrives
B. are to arrive
C. arrived
D. arriving
To be continued.
The blogger, Olabanji O. Odurombi, can be contacted on 08037699294 (WhatsApp/Voice call).
0 Comments