Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-Verb Agreement

American Literature Grammar

Subject-Verb Agreement

Grammar Rules

General Rule

A Singular Verb ends in a "S."

A Plural Verb does not in a "S."

Rule #1

If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.

The boy is playing. / The boys are playing.

Rule #2

If two or more singular subjects are connected with "and" , the verb must be plural.

The dog and the cat are having lunch.

Rule #3

If two or more singular subjects are connected with "or" or "nor", the verb must be singular.

Mollie or Linda is organizing the music.

Rule #4

If the subjects include both singular and plural nouns connected with "or" or "nor", the verb must agree with the subject that is closer to it.

The Johnsons or Sue is coming for dinner.

Sue or the Johnsons are coming for dinner.

Rule #5

The verb must agree with the subject, not with the phrase between the subject and the verb.

The president, as well as member of Congress is ready for the elections.

The students who read that story are few.

Rule #6

After the words "anybody, anyone, everybody, everyone. somebody, someone, nobody, no one, each, each one, either, neither, you must use a singular verb.

Everyone is coming to the birthday party.

Somebody is knocking the front door.

Rule #7

Some words end with "s", but they are actually singular, so you must use a singular verb after them. (Mathematics, Measles, News, Phonetics)

The news is bad for all the family members.

Phonetics is the study of sounds.

Rule #8

The a word "money " is always singular and must be followed by a singular verb. When you use currencies: dollars, pounds, euros etc, you may use a singular or plural noun depending on the meaning. If you are talking about the amount of money, you must use a singular verb. But if you are referring to the currency itself, you must use a plural verb.

A lot of money is needed for our school.

Ten pounds is good for a weekly pocket money.

Rule #9

After the nouns like "trousers, pants, glasses, tweezers, shears, scissors, sunglasses" , you must use a plural verb.

His glasses are cool, aren't they?

Sally's trousers are made in Turkey.

Your sunglasses really look perfect on you.

Rule #10

If the subject is a collective noun, you can use both a singular or a plural verb depending on the meaning. If you are referring a collective nouns as a unit, then use a singular verb. If you are referring to the members instead, use a plural verb.

The flock is migrating to the south.

Rule #11

If the subject is singular and followed by some expressions like "with", "including", "accompanied by in addition to , as well as", we used a singular verb. If the subject is plural, we use a plural verb.

The teacher , as well as his students, is going to visit the museum.

Those toys, including the red car, are old.

Now, you practice!!!!!

For each of the following, choose the sentence in which the subject and verb agree.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence in which the subject and verb agree.

• Every one of the shirts has a green collar.

• Every one of the shirts have a green collar.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence in which the subject and verb agree.

• This singer, along with a few others, play the violin on stage.

• This singer, along with a few other, plays the violin on stage.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence in which the subject and verb agree.

• Sandals and towels are essential gear for a trip to the beach.

• Sandals and towels is essential gear for a trip to the beach.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence in which the subject and verb agree.

• The President or Vice-President are speaking today.

• The President or Vice-President is speaking today.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence in which the subject and verb agree.

• Either Cassie or Marie pays the employee this afternoon.

• Either Cassie or Marie pay the employees this afternoon.

Poll

How do you feel about Subject Verb Agreement?

• I got this!!!

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• Fair

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