16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasyAgreement with a compound subject

Standard English Conventions practice question

The coach and the captain ____ speaking to reporters after the match.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. wereCorrect
  2. B. was
  3. C. is
  4. D. has been

Answer: A. were

Two subjects joined by 'and' — the coach AND the captain — make a plural subject, so the verb is plural: 'were'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. was
'was' is singular, but 'the coach and the captain' is two people.
C. is
'is' is singular and present tense; the subject is plural and 'after the match' sets the scene in the past.
D. has been
'has been' is singular. A compound subject joined by 'and' needs a plural verb.

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