Plural of Consent in English Grammar: Definition, Rules, Examples, and Usage

by

Have you ever wondered why we say “Tom and Jerry are friends” instead of “Tom and Jerry is friends”? This is thanks to an important grammar principle known as the plural of consent, also called notional agreement or the principle of plural agreement with coordinated subjects.

Understanding the plural of consent is essential for mastering accurate subject-verb agreement in English. This rule appears in everyday conversation, academic writing, business communication, and creative works.

Yet, its exceptions and subtle variations frequently confuse learners—even advanced students.

The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive guide to the plural of consent. We’ll explore its definition, rules, patterns, exceptions, and practical usage—with clear explanations, numerous examples, tables, and practice exercises to solidify your understanding.

This resource is designed for students preparing for exams, teachers seeking detailed explanations, advanced learners, and anyone aiming to polish their English grammar skills. Whether you’re writing essays, delivering presentations, or simply striving for fluency, mastering the plural of consent will take your English to the next level.

Table of Contents

3. Definition Section

A. Clear Definition

The plural of consent in English grammar—also called notional agreement or compound subject agreement—is the rule that states: when two or more singular nouns or pronouns are joined by “and,” the subject is considered plural and requires a plural verb. This reflects that both elements “consent” or “agree” to form a plural subject in meaning.

Alternative terms:

  • Notional agreement – the verb agrees with the meaning (not just the form) of the subject.
  • Compound subject agreement – the subject is a compound (joined by “and”) and takes a plural verb.

B. Grammatical Classification

The plural of consent belongs to the broader area of subject-verb agreement in English grammar. It specifically concerns:

  • Coordination: When two or more elements are joined (usually by “and”).
  • Syntactic function: The subject of the sentence determines the verb form.

C. Function in Sentences

The plural of consent determines the correct verb form when the subject is made up of two or more coordinated nouns or pronouns. Instead of considering only the grammatical form, it recognizes the logical plurality created by coordination.

For example: “The cat and the dog are playing.”

D. Usage Contexts

The plural of consent is relevant in:

  • Formal writing: Essays, reports, academic papers
  • Informal writing: Emails, notes, messages
  • Spoken English: Conversations, presentations
  • Business and creative contexts: Proposals, stories, articles

Mastery of this principle ensures clear, correct, and professional communication.

4. Structural Breakdown

A. Coordinated Subjects and Plural Agreement

Rule: When two or more singular subjects are joined by “and,” use a plural verb.

Example: My mother and father live in Canada.

B. Syntactic Patterns

Coordinated subjects can take several forms. See Table 1 for common structures and examples.

Table 1: Common Patterns of Plural of Consent
Pattern Example Sentence
A and B Anna and Elsa are sisters.
A and B and C John, Peter, and Mary have arrived.
Pronoun and Noun He and his brother play football.
Multiple Nouns Pens, pencils, and erasers are on the desk.
Complex Noun Phrases The manager and the assistant are meeting now.

C. Exceptions to Plural of Consent

Sometimes, coordinated subjects joined by “and” are treated as a single entity. In such cases, a singular verb is used.

Examples:

  • Bread and butter is my favorite breakfast. (considered one item)
  • Fish and chips is popular in England.

D. Impact of Modifiers and Appositives

Modifiers (such as adjectives or appositive phrases) between coordinated subjects do not change the requirement for a plural verb. Focus on the main coordinated elements.

Example: My teacher, along with her assistant, and the principal are attending the meeting.

However, be careful with parenthetical phrases that do not coordinate two true subjects (see section 7D).

E. Influence of Collective Nouns

Some collective expressions joined by “and” may be treated as singular if they refer to a single idea.

Example: Bacon and eggs is a classic breakfast.

F. Placement in Sentences

Plural of consent applies regardless of the subject’s position:

  • Initial: Tom and Jerry are popular characters.
  • Medial: The winner, and the runner-up, have been announced.
  • Final: There are apples and oranges in the basket.
  • Inversion/questions: Are Tom and Jerry your pets?

5. Types or Categories

A. Simple Coordination

Definition: Two singular nouns joined by “and” take a plural verb.

Example: Jack and Jill are climbing the hill.

B. Multiple Coordination

Definition: Three or more nouns joined by “and” are plural.

Example: Math, science, and history are my favorite subjects.

C. Coordinated Pronouns

Definition: Two pronouns (or a pronoun and a noun) joined by “and” require a plural verb.

Examples:

  • He and I are going to the market.
  • You and she have finished the project.

D. Mixed Person or Number

Definition: When subjects of different grammatical persons or numbers are joined, the verb remains plural. The verb form may also reflect politeness or emphasis.

Examples:

  • You and your friends are invited.
  • She and her parents are here.

E. Fixed Phrases Treated as Singular

Some expressions joined by “and” are idiomatic units and take a singular verb.

  • Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite lunch.
  • Rice and beans is a staple in many cultures.
  • Bread and butter is on the table.

F. Plural of Consent in Compound Subjects with “Both…and,” “Either…or,” “Neither…nor”

Contrast: “Both…and” acts like “and” and takes a plural verb. “Either…or” and “neither…nor” follow the number of the subject closest to the verb.

Table: Compound Subject Agreement Patterns
Pattern Agreement Example
Both A and B Plural Both Tom and Jerry are here.
Either A or B Closest subject Either the teacher or the students are present.
Neither A nor B Closest subject Neither the students nor the teacher is present.

6. Examples Section

A. Basic Examples

Table 2: Basic Examples of Plural of Consent
# Sentence
1 Lisa and Mark are watching TV.
2 The cat and the dog are sleeping.
3 My mom and dad are teachers.
4 Apples and oranges are healthy.
5 The sun and the moon shine bright.
6 John and his brother play chess.
7 She and I are friends.
8 Rain and wind are expected tomorrow.
9 Kate and her colleagues have arrived.
10 The teacher and the student are talking.

B. Intermediate Examples

Table 3: Intermediate Examples with Modifiers, Pronouns, or Multiple Subjects
# Sentence
1 My sister and her best friend are attending the concert.
2 The manager, together with the team, and the supervisor are meeting today.
3 He and she have decided to travel together.
4 Both the principal and the vice-principal are present.
5 My phone and my keys are missing.
6 The dog, the cat, and the rabbit are pets.
7 Neither Tom nor his friends are coming.
8 My uncle and aunt are arriving tonight.
9 You and I are responsible for the project.
10 Emma, Olivia, and Noah are classmates.

C. Advanced Examples

Table 4: Advanced Examples with Collective Nouns, Fixed Phrases, or Exceptions
# Sentence
1 Bread and butter is a simple meal. (treated as one dish)
2 Fish and chips is delicious. (one menu item)
3 Rice and beans is a staple in Latin America.
4 The captain and coach is arriving soon. (same person)
5 Time and tide waits for no man. (proverbial, fixed phrase)
6 Spaghetti and meatballs is my favorite dinner.
7 Gin and tonic is a popular drink.
8 Ham and eggs is served every morning.
9 The singer and songwriter is famous. (one person, two roles)
10 The horse and carriage was waiting outside. (one unit)

D. Negatives and Questions

  • Negative: Tom and Jerry are not in the room.
  • Negative: Apples and oranges do not grow in winter.
  • Question: Are Lisa and Mark coming?
  • Question: Have you and your friend finished?
  • Question: Do the cat and the dog get along?

E. Ambiguous or Tricky Cases

Table 5: Ambiguous or Debatable Agreement
Sentence Explanation
Bread and butter is/are on the table. Singular if one dish, plural if two items.
The captain and coach is/are here. Singular if one person, plural if two.
Fish and chips is/are delicious. Singular if one meal, plural if separate foods.
Rice and curry is/are my favorite dishes. Depends on context: one dish or two.
The author and editor is/are speaking. Singular if one person with two roles, plural if two people.
The horse and carriage was/were waiting. Singular if one unit, plural if horse and carriage are separate.
His wit and humor is/are remarkable. Singular if seen as one quality, plural if distinct.
Bacon and eggs is/are ready. Singular if a dish, plural if separate foods.

F. Additional Example Table

Table 6: Plural of Consent in Academic/Business English
# Sentence
1 The CEO and the CFO are responsible for the decision.
2 Research and development are crucial for innovation.
3 Supply and demand determine market prices.
4 Data analysis and interpretation are required.
5 Ethics and compliance are integral to our policy.

G. Summary Table

Table 7: Plural of Consent vs. Singular Agreement
Type Example Verb
Plural of Consent The boy and the girl are here. Plural
Singular (Fixed Phrase) Bread and butter is tasty. Singular
Plural of Consent You and your friend have arrived. Plural
Singular (Same Person) The owner and manager is present. Singular
Plural of Consent The apples and the oranges are fresh. Plural

H. Comprehensive List

  • Tom and Jerry are famous characters.
  • My mother and father have left.
  • The sun and the moon light up the sky.
  • The dog, the cat, and the bird are playing.
  • He and I are best friends.
  • Lisa and Mark are absent today.
  • Apples and oranges are nutritious.
  • The teacher and the student are talking.
  • Research and development are expanding.
  • Supply and demand determine the price.
  • She and her sister are twins.
  • You and your team have performed well.
  • Neither Tom nor his friends are present.
  • Both Anna and Elsa are talented.
  • The manager and the assistant are in the office.
  • Bread and butter is a simple meal.
  • Fish and chips is available here.
  • Rice and beans is nutritious.
  • The captain and coach is arriving. (one person)
  • The author and editor are speaking. (two people)
  • My phone and keys are on the table.
  • The horse and carriage was beautiful. (one unit)
  • Emma, Olivia, and Noah are friends.
  • He and she have left.
  • Kate and her friends are coming.
  • The singer and songwriter is performing. (one person)
  • The students and teachers are excited.
  • Gin and tonic is a classic drink.
  • The computer and printer are not working.
  • Ham and eggs is served daily.
  • Time and tide waits for no man. (proverbial)
  • The phone and the charger are missing.
  • My uncle and aunt are visiting.
  • The apples and bananas are ripe.
  • The pen and notebook are on the desk.
  • The ship and crew were lost at sea.
  • The lawyer and client are discussing the case.
  • My shoes and socks are wet.
  • The city and its suburbs are growing.
  • His creativity and passion are inspiring.
  • My computer and tablet are both new.
  • The child and the mother are happy.
  • The bottle and the glass are broken.
  • You and your sister are invited.
  • The movie and the book are interesting.
  • The king and queen are attending the event.
  • The doctor and nurse are busy.
  • The park and the playground are open.

7. Usage Rules

A. Basic Rule Statement

Basic Rule: When two or more subjects are joined by “and,” use a plural verb.

Example: My brother and sister live in London.

B. Special Cases

Special Case: If the coordinated subjects refer to a single thing, idea, or unit, use a singular verb.

  • Bacon and eggs is my favorite breakfast.
  • Time and distance is important in this race.
  • Mac and cheese is delicious.

C. Collective Nouns and Singular Treatment

Common expressions joined by “and” but treated as singular:

  • Bread and butter
  • Fish and chips
  • Spaghetti and meatballs
  • Horse and carriage
  • Rice and beans
  • Ham and eggs
  • Peanut butter and jelly

These are usually considered single dishes or units.

D. Parenthetical and Appositive Phrases

Rule: Ignore non-essential modifiers (such as parenthetical or appositive phrases) when determining verb agreement. Focus on the main subject(s).

Incorrect: The teacher, as well as the students, are arriving.
Correct: The teacher, as well as the students, is arriving. (“as well as” is not coordination)

E. Agreement with Pronouns

When pronouns are coordinated with “and,” use a plural verb.

  • He and I are ready.
  • You and she have finished.

F. Formal vs. Informal Usage

The plural of consent applies in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, fixed idiom singulars (like “bread and butter”) are more common.

G. Regional Variations

American and British English generally follow the same rules, but certain idioms or fixed phrases may differ.

Regional Variations in Usage
Expression US Usage UK Usage
Bread and butter is is
The team and the coach are are
The staff and management are are
Fish and chips is is or are (regional)

H. Table of Rules and Exceptions

Table 8: Quick Reference for Plural of Consent
Subject Pattern Verb Example
A and B (different entities) Plural Tom and Jerry are here.
A and B (single unit/idiom) Singular Bread and butter is tasty.
Both A and B Plural Both Sam and Alex are absent.
Either A or B Nearest subject Either the teacher or the students are here.
Neither A nor B Nearest subject Neither the students nor the teacher is present.
With parenthetical (not joined by “and”) Main subject The teacher, as well as the students, is arriving.
Pronoun + noun/noun Plural She and her sister are twins.

8. Common Mistakes

A. Singular Verb with Coordinated Subjects

Incorrect: Tom and Jerry is friends.
Correct: Tom and Jerry are friends.

B. Ignoring Modifiers

Incorrect: The teacher, as well as the students, are arriving.
Correct: The teacher, as well as the students, is arriving.

C. Fixed Phrases Treated Plurally

Incorrect: Peanut butter and jelly are delicious.
Correct: Peanut butter and jelly is delicious.

D. Inconsistency in Complex Subjects

Mixing singular and plural agreement in long or complex subjects can cause errors.

Incorrect: The manager and assistant is attending.
Correct: The manager and assistant are attending. (if two people)
Correct: The manager and assistant is attending. (if one person, two titles)

E. Table of Common Errors

Table 9: Common Mistakes and Corrections
Mistake Correction Explanation
Tom and Jerry is friends. Tom and Jerry are friends. Two subjects joined by “and” need plural verb.
My phone and my keys is missing. My phone and my keys are missing. Both items are the subject.
The teacher, as well as the students, are… The teacher, as well as the students, is… “As well as” is not coordination.
Peanut butter and jelly are my favorite. Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite. Fixed phrase treated as one item.
The manager and assistant is present. (two people) The manager and assistant are present. Are = two people; is = one person with two roles.
He and she is working. He and she are working. Two pronouns = plural subject.
Both Alex and Sam is here. Both Alex and Sam are here. “Both…and” requires plural verb.
Fish and chips are popular here. (as dish) Fish and chips is popular here. As a single dish, use singular verb.
Either the teacher or the students is present. Either the teacher or the students are present. Verb agrees with the nearest subject.
Neither the students nor the teacher are present. Neither the students nor the teacher is present. Verb agrees with the nearest subject (“teacher” is singular).

F. Misapplication with “Both…and,” “Either…or,” etc.

Incorrect: Both Sam and Alex is here.
Correct: Both Sam and Alex are here.

Incorrect: Either the teacher or the students is present.
Correct: Either the teacher or the students are present.

9. Practice Exercises

A. Fill-in-the-Blank

  1. My brother and sister ___ going to the party. (is/are)
  2. The pen and the notebook ___ missing. (is/are)
  3. He and his friend ___ arrived. (has/have)
  4. Rice and beans ___ a delicious meal. (is/are)
  5. Tom and Jerry ___ playing outside. (is/are)
  6. You and I ___ responsible for this. (am/are)
  7. The manager and assistant ___ attending the meeting. (is/are)
  8. Fish and chips ___ tasty. (is/are)
  9. The apples and bananas ___ on the table. (is/are)
  10. Both Emma and Olivia ___ present. (is/are)

B. Correction Exercise

  1. My mom and dad is teachers.
  2. The teacher, as well as the students, are arriving.
  3. Peanut butter and jelly are delicious.
  4. He and she is coming now.
  5. Both Mike and Sam is absent.
  6. Either the teacher or the students is here.
  7. The horse and carriage are outside.
  8. The phone and the charger is missing.
  9. Neither the students nor the teacher are present.
  10. Lisa and Mark has finished their work.

C. Identification Exercise

Underline the subject(s) where the plural of consent applies.

  1. Tom and Jerry are watching TV.
  2. My phone and my keys are on the desk.
  3. Bread and butter is my favorite snack.
  4. He and I are best friends.
  5. Both the teacher and the students are here.
  6. The singer and songwriter is performing tonight.
  7. The captain and coach are leading the team.
  8. Rice and beans is served daily.
  9. Emma, Olivia, and Noah are classmates.
  10. The computer and printer are new.

D. Sentence Construction

Create a sentence using the plural of consent for each prompt:

  1. dog / cat
  2. mother / father
  3. he / his friend
  4. apples / oranges / bananas
  5. teacher / student
  6. you / I
  7. Lisa / Mark
  8. rain / wind
  9. Anna / Elsa
  10. manager / assistant

E. Mixed Review Table

Table 10: Exercise Summary
Question Correct Answer Explanation
Tom and Jerry ___ friends. are Two subjects joined by “and.”
Bread and butter ___ my favorite. is Fixed phrase; treated as one item.
He and I ___ going. are Pronoun coordination.
The apples and bananas ___ ripe. are Plural subject.
The manager and assistant ___ present. (two people) are Plural if two people.

F. Answer Key

Fill-in-the-Blank Answers:

  1. are
  2. are
  3. have
  4. is
  5. are
  6. are
  7. are (if two people) / is (if one person, two titles)
  8. is
  9. are
  10. are

Explanations: For #4 and #8, “rice and beans” and “fish and chips” are treated as a unit (singular), unless context suggests otherwise. For #7, check if it’s one or two people.

Correction Exercise Answers:

  1. My mom and dad are teachers.
  2. The teacher, as well as the students, is arriving.
  3. Peanut butter and jelly is delicious.
  4. He and she are coming now.
  5. Both Mike and Sam are absent.
  6. Either the teacher or the students are here.
  7. The horse and carriage is outside. (if one unit)
  8. The phone and the charger are missing.
  9. Neither the students nor the teacher is present.
  10. Lisa and Mark have finished their work.

Identification Exercise Answers:

  1. Tom and Jerry are watching TV.
  2. My phone and my keys are on the desk.
  3. Bread and butter is my favorite snack. (fixed phrase, singular)
  4. He and I are best friends.
  5. Both the teacher and the students are here.
  6. The singer and songwriter is performing tonight. (one person, singular)
  7. The captain and coach are leading the team. (if two people)
  8. Rice and beans is served daily. (fixed phrase, singular)
  9. Emma, Olivia, and Noah are classmates.
  10. The computer and printer are new.

Sentence Construction: (sample answers)

  1. The dog and cat are sleeping.
  2. My mother and father are traveling.
  3. He and his friend are studying.
  4. Apples, oranges, and bananas are in the basket.
  5. The teacher and student are talking.
  6. You and I are ready.
  7. Lisa and Mark are working together.
  8. Rain and wind are expected.
  9. Anna and Elsa are singing.
  10. The manager and assistant are discussing the plan.

10. Advanced Topics

A. Plural of Consent with Complex or Embedded Clauses

Complex subjects joined by “and” may include relative clauses or embedded phrases.

  • The professor who wrote the book and the student who edited it are presenting.
  • The man who called and the woman who answered are both witnesses.

B. Plural of Consent in Formal Writing and Academic Discourse

In formal writing, adherence to plural of consent is expected. However, idiomatic expressions or fixed phrases may use singular verbs for clarity.

  • Research and development are critical components of this study.
  • Bread and butter is essential for nutrition. (as a single item)

C. Disagreement in Notional vs. Grammatical Concord

Occasionally, notional (meaning-based) and grammatical (form-based) agreement may conflict. In such cases, usage varies according to context and author’s intention.

  • Time and patience is/are required. (Both acceptable; singular emphasizes the combination.)
  • His wit and humor is/are appreciated. (Depends if seen as one trait or two.)

D. Corpus and Real-World Usage Analysis

Table 11: Plural of Consent in Published Texts
Excerpt Source
“Bread and butter is a traditional English breakfast.” BBC Food
“The President and Vice President are expected to attend.” The New York Times
“Research and innovation are central to the university’s mission.” Oxford University website
“Fish and chips is available at all locations.” Restaurant menu

Legal and technical documents often require precise subject-verb agreement for clarity. Compound subjects referring to two separate entities use plural verbs; fixed or collective terms may use singular.

  • The buyer and seller are bound by this agreement.
  • Bread and butter is subject to tax as a single item.

F. Cross-Linguistic Comparison

Other languages may treat coordinated subjects differently.

  • French: “Pierre et Marie sont ici.” (Pierre and Marie are here.) — plural verb.
  • Spanish: “Juan y Ana están aquí.” — plural verb.
  • German: “Peter und Maria sind hier.” — plural verb.

Most major European languages use plural verbs for “A and B” subjects, similar to English.

11. FAQ Section

  1. What is the plural of consent in English grammar?
    The plural of consent is the rule that coordinated subjects joined by “and” require a plural verb, reflecting their combined meaning as plural.
  2. Is “A and B” always plural?
    Usually yes, but not always. If “A and B” refers to a single idea, person, or fixed phrase, a singular verb may be used (e.g., “Bread and butter is…”).
  3. Are there exceptions where “A and B” takes a singular verb?
    Yes. Fixed phrases, idioms, or coordinated subjects referring to a single entity take a singular verb (see section 4C).
  4. How does plural of consent differ from notional agreement?
    Plural of consent is a type of notional agreement, where the verb agrees with the meaning (not just form) of the subject.
  5. Does plural of consent apply with pronouns?
    Yes. “He and I are…” or “You and she are…” both need plural verbs.
  6. How do I handle modifiers in coordinated subjects?
    Ignore non-essential modifiers. Focus on the main coordinated subjects (see section 7D).
  7. What about phrases like “bread and butter”?
    Treat them as singular units if they refer to one dish or concept.
  8. Is plural of consent the same in British and American English?
    Largely yes, though there may be minor differences in idiomatic usage (see section 7G).
  9. How do I know when a coordinated subject is treated as singular?
    If it refers to a single entity, concept, or fixed phrase, use a singular verb (see section 4C and 5E).
  10. Can plural of consent apply to compound subjects with “or” or “nor”?
    No. With “or”/”nor,” agreement depends on the subject nearest to the verb (see section 5F).
  11. Why do some fixed expressions not follow this rule?
    Idiomatic expressions are treated as single units, so they use singular verbs for clarity and convention.
  12. What are the most common mistakes learners make?
    Using a singular verb with coordinated subjects, treating fixed phrases as plural, and ignoring modifiers. See section 8 for details.

12. Conclusion

Mastering the plural of consent is crucial for accurate and effective subject-verb agreement in English. This principle ensures that your writing and speech are clear and grammatically correct, especially when dealing with coordinated subjects.

Key Takeaways:

  • When two or more subjects are joined by “and,” use a plural verb.
  • Exceptions: Fixed phrases, idioms, or single-entity subjects may take a singular verb.
  • Be attentive to modifiers and appositive phrases.
  • Practice with diverse examples to solidify your understanding.

Continue practicing and referring to this guide as needed. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or advanced learner, a strong grasp of the plural of consent will elevate your English to a higher standard of accuracy and fluency.

Happy learning!

Leave a Comment