Which Verb Is Correct: 'He and I Am/are Friends'
When it comes to English grammar, the choice of verb can sometimes be confusing, especially in constructions such as 'He and I am/are friends.' This article aims to clarify the correct usage, providing a comprehensive explanation.
Basic Agreement Rules
The rule of subject-verb agreement is straightforward: the verb must agree with the subject in number (singular or plural). In the sentence 'He and I am/are friends,' we need to consider the number and identity of the subjects.
'He and I' is a combination of a singular pronoun ('he') and a singular pronoun ('I'), making a plural subject overall. Therefore, it requires a plural verb. The correct form is:
He and I are friends.
This sentence correctly uses 'are' because 'he and I' together form a plural subject.
Complex Cases with 'He and I'
It's important to understand how 'he and I' behaves when used in different sentence structures. Here are a few examples to illustrate this:
He and I are friends.
This statement is simple and straightforward, as explained earlier. Both 'he' and 'I' are singular, but together they form a plural subject.
Neither he nor I am at fault.
In this case, the structure 'neither A nor B' takes the verb form of the subject that is closest to it. Since 'nor I' is the last part, the verb agrees with 'I,' which is singular. Thus, it should be:
Neither he nor I am at fault. (Incorrect)
It should be:
Neither he nor I is at fault.
Understanding Ontological Statements
The use of verbs in sentences often reflects ontological concepts, which deal with the nature of existence and reality. Verbs like 'are' in sentences like 'He and I are friends' can be viewed through an ontological lens:
A passive voice perspective: In passive voice, the sentence becomes:
Friends are by he and I. (Passive construction)
Passive constructions, which can be seen as ontological in nature, require more mental processing. They may sound less direct and can lead to weariness or difficulty in understanding for the reader.
An active voice perspective: The sentence in active voice would be:
He and I are friends. (Active construction)
Here, 'are' is the creative action that forms the being of the two subjects as friends. Using active voice can maintain clarity and a more engaging tone.
Conclusion
Correctly choosing the verb in sentences such as 'He and I am/are friends' is crucial for clarity and adherence to grammatical rules. Understanding the nuances of subject-verb agreement and the implications of passive and active voice can greatly enhance written communication.
Moving forward, remember that:
When 'he and I' refers to two singular individuals, the verb should reflect the plural form.
Passive voice constructions can be more complex and require careful consideration.
Active voice constructions are generally more direct and easier to understand.
By maintaining these principles, you can ensure that your writing is both precise and engaging.