Clarification on SilverTurtle's guide

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<h2>Can someone explain this in more detail to me?</h2>

<p>If and is used to connect the nouns in a compound subject and the noun closest to the verb is singular, the verb may be either singular or plural:
There is a muffin, hats, and an artist in the locker. or</p>

<p>There are a muffin, hats, and an artist in the locker.</p>

<h2>Note that this final rule is unique to inverted verb structures in which expletive pronouns appear.</h2>

<p>I was always taught "and" always indicates a plural</p>

2

<p>Then stick with that rule. SilverTurtle is just saying either is grammatically acceptable. You won’t be tested on something like that</p>

3

<p>Umm, maybe if one of the subject nouns in a series is plural (hatS), you might have to go with a verb in the plural… ???</p>

4

<p>On the SAT, a compound subject will always require a plural verb. You’ll be tested on that often.</p>