The correct sentence is:
B) The book, along with the notebooks, is on the table.
Let’s explore why this is the correct option in detail.
Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement means that the verb in a sentence must agree in number with the subject. A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
For example:
- She walks to school every day. (Singular subject, singular verb)
- They walk to school every day. (Plural subject, plural verb)
What Confuses Us in Sentence A and B?
In the example:
- “The book, along with the notebooks, is on the table.”
We may get confused because of the phrase “along with the notebooks.”
However, the core rule is: Phrases like “along with,” “together with,” “as well as,” and “in addition to” do not change the number of the subject.
These are parenthetical phrases that provide additional information but do not affect whether the subject is singular or plural.
More Examples for Better Clarity
- The teacher, along with the students, is attending the seminar.
- Correct: “The teacher” is the main subject. “Along with the students” is extra information.
- The principal, as well as the teachers, is responsible for the decision.
- Correct: The main subject is “The principal,” which is singular.
- My friend, together with his cousins, is going on a trip.
- Correct: The subject is “My friend” (singular).
- The actor, in addition to his fans, is shocked by the news.
- Correct: The subject is “The actor.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people are tempted to use a plural verb in such constructions because the second noun (e.g., “notebooks” or “students”) is plural. However, since these nouns come after a parenthetical phrase, they do not control the verb.
Let’s look at a few incorrect examples and correct them:
- ❌ The manager, together with his assistants, are attending the meeting.
✅ The manager, together with his assistants, is attending the meeting. - ❌ My cousin, as well as her children, have moved to Canada.
✅ My cousin, as well as her children, has moved to Canada.
How to Identify the True Subject
A good way to check your subject is to remove the parenthetical phrase and read the sentence again.
Try this with our original example:
- The book, along with the notebooks, is on the table.
Remove “along with the notebooks” → The book is on the table. ✅ Sounds correct!
But with sentence A:
- The book, along with the notebooks, are on the table.
Remove the extra phrase → The book are on the table. ❌ Clearly wrong.
Conclusion
The correct sentence is B:
“The book, along with the notebooks, is on the table.”
Whenever you see phrases like “along with,” “as well as,” “together with,” or “in addition to,” remember that the subject is still the noun before those phrases. These added nouns do not change the verb.
Understanding this rule will help you avoid one of the most common grammar mistakes in writing and speaking.
Grammar Puzzle Solved- Use of Neither:
https://grammarpuzzlesolved.englishlitnotes.com/neither-is-correct/
Moral Story in English – The Wolf and the Lamb: https://englishwithnaeemullahbutt.com/2025/05/18/wolf-and-lamb/
The History of English Literature: https://englishlitnotes.com/category/history-of-english-literature/
