Rustam and Sohrab, there were three other boys present.

The original sentence is grammatically incorrect. The correct sentence is: "Rustam and Sohrab, and three other boys were present."

Explanation of the Error and Correction

The error lies in the use of "there were." While "there were" is a valid construction, it's inappropriate in this context. The sentence is attempting to add information *about* Rustam and Sohrab, not introduce a new subject ("there").

Key Grammatical Principles Illustrated

• Subject-Verb Agreement: The verb "were" needs to agree with the subject. In the corrected sentence, the subject is "Rustam and Sohrab and three other boys" (a plural subject), hence the use of "were" is correct.
• Conjunctions: The conjunction "and" is used to connect the names of the individuals and the additional information about the other boys.
• Sentence Structure: The corrected sentence maintains a clear and concise structure, directly stating the presence of all the boys.

Alternative Corrected Sentences (less preferred but acceptable)

• "Besides Rustam and Sohrab, there were three other boys present." (This shifts the focus slightly)
• "Rustam and Sohrab were present, along with three other boys." (This creates a slightly more fragmented feel)

The most direct and grammatically sound correction is the first one provided, as it seamlessly integrates the additional information into the original sentence structure.

Why the Original Sentence is Incorrect

The use of "there were" creates an awkward and indirect phrasing. It implies that the existence of the three other boys is the primary focus, rather than their presence *with* Rustam and Sohrab. The corrected sentence prioritizes the group as a whole.