When it comes to subject-verb agreement, one phrase that often causes confusion is „as well as.“ This phrase is used to link two items, but it can be difficult to determine the correct verb tense to use. Here are some rules to keep in mind when using „as well as“ in your writing:
1. The verb should agree with the subject closest to it.
For example:
– My brother, as well as his friends, plays soccer. (The subject closest to the verb „plays“ is „brother,“ so it should be singular.)
– His friends, as well as my brother, play soccer. (The subject closest to the verb „play“ is „friends,“ so it should be plural.)
2. If both subjects are of equal importance, use the plural form of the verb.
For example:
– The teacher, as well as the students, are excited for the field trip. (Both the teacher and the students are important, so the verb „are“ should be plural.)
3. If the subject after „as well as“ is an uncountable noun, use a singular verb.
For example:
– The restaurant serves vegetarian dishes as well as meat. (The subject „meat“ is uncountable, so the verb „serves“ should be singular.)
4. If the subjects are joined by „and“ after „as well as,“ use a plural verb.
For example:
– The museum displays art as well as artifacts, and both are important to the collection. (The subjects „art“ and „artifacts“ are joined by „and,“ so the verb „are“ should be plural.)
By keeping these rules in mind, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and easy to understand. Remember that subject-verb agreement is essential to effective communication, and taking the time to carefully consider your language can make a big difference in how your writing is received.