As a copy editor, one of the most common grammatical errors I come across is the misuse of “and/or” verb agreement. This occurs when a sentence includes two or more subjects connected by “and” and/or “or,” and the verb does not agree with the subjects in number.
For example, the sentence “The book and the pen is on the table” is incorrect because “book” and “pen” are two separate subjects connected by “and,” meaning the verb should be plural. The correct sentence should be “The book and the pen are on the table.”
Similarly, the sentence “Either the cat or the dog likes to play” is correct because “cat” and “dog” are two separate subjects connected by “or,” and since “cat” is singular, the verb should be singular as well. However, the sentence “Either the cat or the dogs like to play” is incorrect because “dog” is plural, meaning the verb should also be plural. The correct sentence should be “Either the cats or the dogs like to play.”
It is important to note that when there are two subjects connected by “and,” the verb should always be plural, regardless of whether there is an additional subject connected by “or” in the sentence. For example, the sentence “The book, pen, or pencil are on the table” is incorrect because “book” and “pen” are connected by “and,” meaning the verb should be plural. The correct sentence should be “The book, pen, or pencil is on the table.”
In conclusion, using “and/or” verb agreement correctly is essential in ensuring clear and effective communication. Remember to always match the verb with the number of subjects connected by “and” and/or “or.” By doing so, you can avoid common grammatical errors and improve the overall quality of your writing.