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"A work on english grammar and composition"


3. A _number were_ inclined to turn back,
4. The _number_ present _was_ not ascertained.
+Caution+.--When a verb has two or more subjects connected by _and_, it
must agree with them in the plural.
+Exceptions+.--l. When the connected subjects are different names of the
same thing, or when they name several things taken as one whole, the verb
must be singular; as, My old _friend and schoolmate is_ in town. _Bread and
milk is_ excellent food.
2. When the connected subjects are preceded by _each, every, many a_, or
_no_, they are taken separately, and the verb agrees with the nearest; as,
_Every man, woman, and child was_ lost.
3. When the subjects are emphatically distinguished, the verb agrees with
the first and is understood with the second; as, _Time, and patience also,
is_ needed. (The same is true of subjects connected by _as well as_; as,
_Time, as well as patience, is_ needed.)
4. When one of the subjects is affirmative and the other negative, the verb
agrees with the affirmative; as, _Books, and not pleasure_, occupy his
time.
5. When several subjects follow the verb, each subject may be emphasized by
making the verb agree with that which stands nearest; as, Thine _is_ the
_kingdom and_ the _power_ _and_ the _glory_.


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