Compound subjects: bread and butter is or are?

The idea

Use a plural verb for separate people or things. Use a singular verb when the phrase names one dish, idea or person with two roles.

Examples

• Maya and her brother are waiting outside.
• The lamp and the chair belong to our neighbour.
• Bread and butter is my usual breakfast.
• Fish and chips is on the menu today.
• The singer and songwriter is tuning her guitar.
• The singer and the songwriter are meeting tomorrow.

Watch out

Do not automatically use a plural verb whenever you see and: a familiar dish may be treated as one unit.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct option. The nurse and the chef ___ at the station. (is / are)

   Show answer or example answer

   are

   are: the nurse and the chef are two people.

2. Choose the correct option. Macaroni and cheese ___ his favourite dish. (is / are)

   Show answer or example answer

   is

   is: the dish is treated as one meal.

3. Choose the correct option. The director and producer ___ one person in this film. (is / are)

   Show answer or example answer

   is

   is: the two roles belong to one person.

4. Choose the correct option. The keys and the wallet ___ on the shelf. (is / are)

   Show answer or example answer

   are

   are: the keys and wallet are separate things.

Use it today

Write one sentence about two people and one about a single dish. Choose a verb for each.