Previously, we mentioned the verb form to be used when two singular subjects are linked together by the coordinating conjunction and under different instances.
Our focus shall now turn to when two singular subjects are linked together by subordinating conjunctions.
When two singular subjects are linked together by subordinating conjunctions such as with, together with, as well as, along with, in conjunction with, the verb will be a singular verb.
Let's take some examples:
Dele with his friend likes drinking.
The verb likes is singular, because when two singular subjects are linked together by a subordinating conjunction, the singular verb will be used.
It is different from:
Dele and his friend like drinking.
The choice of a plural verb like is because the coordinating conjunction and is used.
The man with his wife has arrived.
The man and his wife have arrived.
Let's take some additional examples.
The company chairman with the secretary is scheduled to travel tomorrow.
Kenny Music in conjunction with AIT is the official host of the music awards coming up in Lagos.
Linking a singular subject and plural subject
If a singular subject is linked together to a plural subject by subordinating conjunctions such as with, together with, as well as, along with, in conjunction with, the verb will agree with the subject before any of these subordinating conjunctions.
The man as well as his wives was invited.
In the example above, the subject the man (singular) is linked to another subject his wives (plural) by a subordinating conjunction as well as. HENCE, THE VERB WILL AGREE WITH THE SUBJECT BEFORE THE SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION.
Semantically, you may wish to know why the choice of a singular verb, and not a plural verb. Well, the writer intends to draw or focus (more) attention on the man, not the wives. That is why the writer used a subordinating conjunction in the first place, and not a coordinator/coordinating conjunction. If the writer had also wanted the reader to pay attention to the man's wives, the example would have read:
The man and his wives were invited.
Let's consider another example.
The coach with his assistants has been sacked.
The coach as well as his assistants has been sacked.
The coach together with his assistants has been sacked.
The subject before and the subject after
However, if the subject before the subordinating conjunction is a plural subject, the verb must be in the plural form.
The coaches with their assistants have been sacked.
The coaches as well as their assistants have been sacked.
The coaches together with their assistants have been sacked.
To be continued.
Practice Exercise
1. The President with his entourage ...... Abuja.
A. has arrive
B. have arrived
C. has arrived
D. have arrive
2. The new president and members of his cabinet ...... on familiarisation tour.
A. are
B. are being
C. have been
D. was
3. Mr Bello, with his wife and children, ...... to the United States.
A. are traveling
B. have traveling
C. is traveling
D. had traveled
4. Sa'adatu as well as the maids ......
A. like plantain chips.
B. are liking plantain chips.
C. is liking plantain chips.
D. like plantain chips.
5. The man ...... his wife and children is leaving for Paris.
A. or
B. and
C. with
D. despite
6. The hunters with a dog ...... heading to the forest.
A. was seen
B. were seen
C. was saw
D. were been seen
Previously on English concord.
The blogger, Olabanji O. Odurombi, can be contacted on 08037699294 (WhatsApp/Voice Call).
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