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word choice - "Do" vs. "does" with multiple singular subjects



How does serverfault, stackoverflow and other stackExchange sites connect together?



Is that does or do?
Because I'm talking about multiple items, it would be do. What is more correct?



Answer



The correct way to ask that question would be with "do". Consider these two examples:



How does StackOverflow connect to ServerFault?



In that case one item is being considered. Now what if we change the way the verb connect is being used a little and add a second part to the subject so that it is effectively plural:



How do StackOverflow and ServerFault connect with each other?



Although in both cases the verb "connect" is being used, in the first case the subject being discussed is singular and in the second the two part subject is, considered as a whole, plural.


The giveaway would be if you dropped the specific names and just asked your question with the word "sites":



How do sites connect together?



When switching from a singular to a plural subject, the helping verb does need to change.


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