Subject Verb Agreement

Subject Verb Agreement

Rule One

A phrase that interrupts a subject and its verb does NOT affect the agreement. This includes anything separated by commas.

Note: For this rule, the subject must be a basic noun.

Ex. Brandeis University, one of Boston’s many prestigious schools, is where Mitch Albom earned his first degree.

Rule Two

When two or more subjects are connected by the word AND, you must use a plural verb.

Ex. Shakespeare, Lee, and Albom have been our main authors. 

Watch out for compound nouns like "macaroni and cheese," which IS (not are) delicious.

Rule Three

If a subject(s) is joined by OR or NOR to another subject(s), then the subject closest to the verb determines agreement.

Ex. Either Ted Koppell or other journalists were interviewing Morrie at regular intervals.

Ex. Either other journalists or Ted Koppell was interviewing Morrie at regular intervals.

Multiple Choice

Every single one of those shirts (has / have) a green collar

• has

• have

Multiple Choice

Bruce Springsteen, along with a few others, (play / plays) the harmonica while playing the guitar at the same time.

• play

• plays

Multiple Choice

Sandals and a towel (is / are) essential gear for a trip to the beach.

• is

• are

Multiple Choice

Either Cassie or the twins (is performing / are performing) next in the talent show.

• is performing

• are performing

Multiple Choice

Either the twins or Cassie (is performing / are performing) next in the talent show.

• is performing

• are performing

Multiple Choice

Kahlua Pork (is /are) a Hawaiian dish that is cooked underground.

• is

• are

Multiple Choice

Mitch Albom, the author of Tuesdays with Morrie, (is / are) a sports journalist, but he originally wanted to be a jazz musician.

• is

• are

Multiple Choice

One of Morrie’s aphorisms (is / are) that, “love always wins.”

• is

• are

Multiple Choice

Connie, one of the people who takes care of Morrie, always

(keep / keeps) track of who calls the house.

• keep

• keeps

Multiple Choice

Some of Mitch’s memories of Morrie (involve / involves) Morrie’s sloppy eating habits.

• involve

• involves

Multiple Choice

Neither Betty nor her kids (have / has) any idea where they want to go on vacation.

• have

• has

Multiple Choice

Neither her kids nor Betty (have / has) any idea where they want to go on vacation.

• have

• has