Grammar question

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ESL forum > Grammar and Linguistics > Grammar question

Grammar question

Travelling High and Low

Grammar question

Hello, I hope you can help with a grammar question.

There was/were an old man and a little girl waving to him.

I was taught to use was if the following noun is singular, an old man (singular) and a little girl (singular).

However, my American English textbook says I should use were, as it refers to two people in total.

Which do you think is correct?

Thank you

12 Nov 2019

cunliffe

You were taught right! If the verb comes before, then use the singular. So, there was an old man and a little girl..... An old man and a little girl were.....

13 Nov 2019

lekkasc

you are quite right

15 Nov 2019

Travelling High and Low

Thank you both for your answers. I�m sorry it took me so long to reply.

11 Dec 2019