The verb _study_ is plural, agreeing with _who_,
according to RULE 4.
But let us connect these two nouns by a disjunctive conjunction, and see
how the sentence will read: "Orlando _or_ Thomas, _who studies his
lesson, makes_ rapid progress." Now, you perceive, that a different
construction takes place, for the latter expression does not imply, that
Orlando and Thomas, _both_ study and make rapid progress; but it
asserts, that either the one _or_ the other studies, and makes rapid
progress. Hence the verb _makes_ is singular, because it expresses the
action of the one _or_ the other of its nominatives. And you observe,
too, that the pronouns _who_ and _his_, and the noun _lesson_, are
likewise in the singular, agreeing with Orlando _or_ Thomas, agreeably
to RULE 9. _Studies_ is also singular, agreeing with _who_, according to
RULE 4.
EXERCISES IN PARSING.
Joseph and his brother reside in New York. The Sun, moon, and stars,
admonish us of a superior and superintending Power. I respect my friend,
because he is upright and obliging. Henry and William, who obey their
teacher, improve rapidly. Henry or William, who obeys his teacher,
improves very fast.
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