What person and number forms are the verbs in the following sentences,
and why?—
1. The sun shines brightly.
2. The boys are in the garden.
3. I know thou lovest me.
_The verb agrees with its subject in person and number_; as, The teacher
_has_ my pen.
_Note._—In determining the number of the verb we must consider,
not the _form_, but the _meaning_ of the subject.
1. A collective noun requires a verb in the singular when it means the
collection as a whole, and a verb in the plural when it means the
separate individuals of which it is composed; as, The committee (as a
whole) _has decided_ it. The committee (as individuals) _have decided_
it.
2. Two or more singular nouns connected by _and_ take a verb in the
plural; as, James and Mary _are_ here. Music and drawing _were taught_
during the term.
If two or more singular nouns connected by _and_ are preceded by _each_,
_every_, or _no_, the verb is in the singular, because they refer to
things considered separately; as, Every man and woman _was lost_.
3. When two or more singular subjects are thought of as one thing, the
verb is singular; as, Bread and butter _is_ sufficient.
4. Two singular subjects connected by _either_—_or_, _neither_—_nor_
take a verb in the singular, but if the subjects are plural, the verb is
plural; as, Either a horse or a cow _is_ in the field. Neither the boys
nor the girls _are_ here.