6. Words that intervene between subject and verb

A word or phrase coming between the subject and verb does not go against the subject-verb agreement .

The word or phrase coming between the subject and verb functions as a modifier that modifies the preceding subject.

Examples of the intervening word or phrase include: including, like, plus , with , accompanied by , along with , as well as , in  addition to , one of , and  together with . The intervening word or phrase does not mean the same as and  and so does not compound the subject and make it plural. The subject still determines whether the verb is singular or plural in order to adhere to the subject-verb agreement.

Examples:

  • The farmhouse, including  the tractor and a pickup, was  (not were ) damaged by the storm.
  • The girl like  her elder sister has  (not have ) plump rosy cheeks.
  • Her computer plus  her handbag was  stolen from her car.
  • The woman with  her daughter is  selling flowers.
  • Mary, accompanied by  her brother, goes  (not go ) to the movies at the weekend.
  • John along with  his cousin often helps  out on his uncle’s farm.
  • His father, as well as  his uncle, is  retiring at the end of this year.
  • The speaker, in addition to  the guests, has  arrived.
  • Mike, one of  his brothers, has  been selected for the national team.
  • The police inspector, together with  an assistant, is  now at the crime scene.