Subject-Verb Agreement

Front

What is subject-verb agreement?

Back

Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that the subject of a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its verb.

Front

When should a singular verb be used?

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A singular verb should be used when the subject is singular, meaning it refers to one person, place, thing, or idea.

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When should a plural verb be used?

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A plural verb should be used when the subject is plural, meaning it refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea.

Front

What is the rule for using 'either...or' in subject-verb agreement?

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When using 'either...or', the verb should agree with the noun closest to it.

Front

What is the rule for using 'neither...nor' in subject-verb agreement?

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When using 'neither...nor', the verb should agree with the noun closest to it.

Front

How does the phrase 'a number of' affect verb agreement?

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The phrase 'a number of' is followed by a plural verb.

Front

How does the phrase 'the number of' affect verb agreement?

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The phrase 'the number of' is followed by a singular verb.

Front

What is the subject-verb agreement rule for collective nouns?

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Collective nouns can take either singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individuals.

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What is the subject-verb agreement rule for indefinite pronouns?

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Indefinite pronouns such as 'everyone', 'each', and 'someone' are considered singular and take singular verbs.

Front

What is the subject-verb agreement rule for fractions and percentages?

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Fractions and percentages take a verb that agrees with the noun they refer to.