Agreement with Homogeneous Subjects

1. A plural verb-predicate is used with homogeneous subjects connected by the conjunction and:

John and Peter are my friends.

Note 1: If coordinated nouns refer to one person or thing, a singular verb-predicate is used:

The bread and butter was wholesome food.

The secretary and typist is in the office.

If the article is repeated, two persons or objects are meant, and a plural verb-predicate is used:

The bread and the butter are on the table.

The secretary and the typist are in the office.

Note 2: If a singular subject is modified by two or more attributes connected by and, a singular verb-predicate is used, when one person or object is meant:

A black and white kitten was lying on the sofa.

But if the attributes modify different persons or objects, the verb is in the plural and the article is repeated:

A black and a white kitten were lying on the sofa.

But uncountables have no articles:

Classical and light music have both their admires.

In modern hotels hot and cold water are supplied in every room.

2.With homogeneous subjects connected by the conjunctions not only... but also, either... or, or, neither... nor the verb predicate agrees with the nearest subject:

Not only my brother but also my parents were present there.

Either your brakes or your eyesight is at fault.

Neither you nor I am ready for the trip.

3. With homogeneous subjects connected by the conjunctions as well as, rather than, as much as, more than, with (or together with) the verb-predicate agrees with the first subject:

The manager as well as/ rather than/ more than/ as much as/ the members of the firm is responsible for the present situation.

My parents as well as my sister are teachers.

A woman with her children was sitting under the tree.

The students together with their teacher are in favour of the pl an.