Subject and 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 do we use a singular verb?

Back

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

Front

When do we use a plural verb?

Back

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

Front

What is the rule for subjects joined by 'or'?

Back

When subjects are joined by 'or', the verb agrees with the subject that is closest to it.

Front

What is the rule for subjects joined by 'and'?

Back

When subjects are joined by 'and', the verb is usually plural.

Front

What is the rule for collective nouns?

Back

Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on whether the group acts as a single unit or as individuals.

Front

What is the rule for 'neither/nor' constructions?

Back

In 'neither/nor' constructions, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Front

What is the rule for 'either/or' constructions?

Back

In 'either/or' constructions, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Front

What is the rule for indefinite pronouns?

Back

Indefinite pronouns like 'everyone', 'someone', and 'nobody' are considered singular and take a singular verb.

Front

What is the rule for 'not only... but also' constructions?

Back

In 'not only... but also' constructions, the verb agrees with the subject that is closest to the verb.