Do I use 'has' or 'have' when used in a sentence with two names for the subject?
Example: Al and Sue ('has' or 'have') purchased a new home. — Sue, United States
Answer
The choice between 'has' and 'have' depends on its subject. Below is a chart showing which word to use with each type of subject:
singular
plural
1st person: I, we
I have
we have
2nd person: you, you (all)
you have
you (all) have
3rd person: he, she, it, they
he/she/it has
they have
You'll notice that the only subject you should use "has" with is third person singular (he has, she has, it has). You should use "have" everywhere else.
The subject "Al and Sue" is third person plural (the same as "they"), so use "have."
Al and Sue have purchased a new home.
I hope this helps.
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