The original question reads...
Jack, along with some of his closest friends, is sharing a limo to the prom.
According to the answer at the end of the chapter, this sentence is correct. I understand why. But could this form be considered correct as well?
Jack and some of his closest friends are sharing a limo to the prom.
I used the rule concerning "And vs. Additive" phrases. Based on my understanding, by putting the word "and" in the sentence, the verb would need to be plural. Am I reading into that rule correctly? Or does my version change the meaning too much?