(ENG) X, as well as Y, do/does not

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#1

Hi all,

It’s Monday morning and my brain won’t work.

I hate having to admit to having a problem with my mother tongue, but that’s how it is. Any (constructive) help will be gratefully received.

A conversation yesterday led to the question of whether „do“ or „does“ is correct in the following sentence:

The tests showed that the colour of the object, as well as the shape, … not have any influence on the final result.

I feel that „do“ would be correct here, as we are talking about 2 factors, but I can’t come up with evidence to prove my theory.

Hmmm…scratch, scratch…

The tests showed that the colour of the object does not have any influence on the final result. (Logical. To me…)

The tests showed that the colours of the object do not have any influence on the final result. (Logical.)

The tests showed that the colour of the object, as well as the shape, do not have any influence on the final result. (Logical…?!)

I can’t see the wood for the trees.

Thanks in advance,
MacD

#2

Hi mate,

The tests showed that the colour of the object, as well as the
shape, does not have any influence on the final result.

Phrases such as together with, as well as, and along with are not the same as and. The phrase introduced by as well as or along with will modify the earlier word , but it does not compound the subjects (as the word and would do).
Cheers
Jo

#3

I knew I could rely on you…
Thanks, Jo!
You’re a gem.

A quick, clear & precise answer. Something we could do with more often around here…

Cheers,
MacD

#4

…arguing, but just accept the facts :wink:
Pleasure!
Thanx
Jo

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