8.165 verb agreement

When the subject of a clause consists of two or more nouns linked by 'and', you use a plural verb.

• My mother and father are ill.
• Time, money and effort were needed.

However, you do not use a plural verb if the nouns refer to the same person or thing.

• The writer and filmmaker Masanori Hata disagrees.

You also do not use a plural verb with uncount nouns preceded by 'all', or with singular count nouns preceded by 'each' or 'every'.

• All this effort and sacrifice has not helped to alleviate poverty.
• It became necessary to involve every man, woman and child who was willing to help.

When you link two or more nouns with 'or', you use a plural verb after plural nouns, and a singular verb after singular nouns or uncount nouns.

• One generation's problems or successes are passed to the next.
• Can you say 'No' to a friend or relative who wants to insist?