Basic Rule
The basic rule states that a singular subject takes a singular verb while a plural subject takes a plural verb. The trick is in knowing whether the subject is singular or plural. The next trick is recognizing a singular or plural verb.
Hint: Verbs do not form their plurals by adding an “s” as nouns do. In order to determine which verb is singular and which one is plural, think of which verb you would use with “he” or “she” and which verb you would use with “they.”
Example
Talks, talk
Which one is the singular form? Which word would you use with “he”? We say, “He talks.” Therefore, “talks” is singular. We say, “They talk.” Therefore, “talk” is plural.
Rule 1
Two singular subjects connected by “or” or “nor” require a singular verb.
Example
My aunt or my uncle is arriving by train today.
Rule 2
Two singular subjects connected by “either/or” or “neither/nor” require a singular verb as well.
Examples
Neither John nor Susan is available.
Either Kiana or Casey helps today with stage decorations.
Rule 3
When one of your two subjects is “I,” put it second and follow it with the singular verb “am.”
Example
Neither she nor I am going to the festival.
Rule 4
When a singular subject is connected by “or” or “nor” to a plural subject, put the plural subject last and use a plural verb.
Example
The book or the magazines are on the shelf.
Rule 5
When a singular and plural subject are connected by “either/or” or “neither/nor,” put the plural subject last and use a plural verb.
Example
Neither Jenny nor the others are available.
Rule 6
As a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they are connected by “and.”
Example
A car and a bike are my means of transportation.
Rule 7
Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by words such as “along with,” “as well as,” “besides,” or “not.” Ignore these expressions when determining whether to use a singular or plural verb.
Examples
The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly.
Excitement, as well as nervousness, is the cause of her shaking.
Rule 8
The pronouns “each,” “everyone,” “every one,” “everybody,” “anyone,” “anybody,” “someone,” and “somebody” are singular and require singular verbs. Do not be misled by what follows “of.”
Examples
Each of the girls sings well.
Every one of the cakes is gone.
NOTE: “Everyone” is one word when it means “everybody.” “Every one” is two words when the meaning is “each one.”
Rule 9
With words that indicate portions—percent, fraction, part, majority, some, all, none, remainder, etc.—look at the noun in your “of” phrase (object of the preposition) to determine whether to use a singular or plural verb. If the object of the preposition is singular, use a singular verb. If the object of the preposition is plural, use a plural verb.
NOTE: Apparently, the SAT testing service considers “none” as a singular word only.
Examples
Fifty percent of the pie has disappeared. (“Pie” is the object of the preposition “of.”)
Fifty percent of the pies have disappeared. (“Pies” is the object of the preposition.)
One-third of the city is unemployed.
One-third of the people are unemployed.
NOTE: Hyphenate all spelled-out fractions.
All of the pie is gone.
All of the pies are gone.
Some of the pie is missing.
Some of the pies are missing.
Rule 10
When “either” and “neither” are subjects, they always take singular verbs.
Examples
Neither of them is available to speak right now.
Either of us is capable of doing the job.
Rule 11
The words “here” and “there” are never subjects because they are not nouns. In sentences beginning with “here” or “there,” the true subject follows the verb.
Examples
There are four hurdles to jump.
There is a high hurdle to jump.
Rule 12
Use a singular verb with sums of money or periods of time.
Examples
Ten dollars is a high price to pay.
Five years is the maximum sentence for that offense.
Rule 13
Sometimes the pronoun “who,” “that,” or “which” is the subject of the verb in the middle of the sentence. The pronouns “who,” “that,” and “which” become singular or plural according to the noun directly in front of them. So if that noun is singular, use a singular verb. If it is plural, use a plural verb.
Examples
Charlene is the scientist who writes the reports. The word in front of “who” is “scientist,” which is singular. Therefore, use the singular verb “writes.”
He is one of the men who do the work. The word in front of “who” is “men,” which is plural. Therefore, use the plural verb “do.”
Rule 14
Collective nouns such as “team” and “staff” may be either singular or plural depending on their use in the sentence.
Examples
The staff is in a meeting. (“Staff” is acting as a unit here.)
The staff are in disagreement about the findings. (“Staff” are acting as separate individuals in this sentence.)
The sentence would read even better like this: The staff members are in disagreement about the findings.
Expanded Discussion
Subject-verb agreement can be a tricky area of grammar, but understanding and applying the rules can enhance clarity and precision in writing. The basic principle is straightforward: a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. However, complexities arise with compound subjects, collective nouns, and indefinite pronouns.
Compound Subjects
When dealing with compound subjects connected by “and,” the verb should be plural, as in Rule 6. However, when compound subjects are connected by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the part of the subject closest to it, as outlined in Rules 4 and 5. This rule is crucial for maintaining agreement and avoiding awkward constructions.
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns like “each,” “everyone,” and “somebody” always take singular verbs, as stated in Rule 8. This rule can be confusing because these pronouns often feel plural due to their inclusive nature. Understanding that they are singular helps in choosing the correct verb form.
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns, such as “team” or “staff,” can be singular or plural depending on whether the group is acting as a single entity or as individuals, as mentioned in Rule 14. This distinction is essential for conveying the right meaning and ensuring grammatical accuracy.
Phrases Between Subject and Verb
Phrases that come between the subject and verb, such as “along with,” “as well as,” and “besides,” should not affect the verb’s agreement with the subject, as per Rule 7. These intervening phrases can often mislead writers into choosing the wrong verb form.
Contextual Agreement
In sentences where the context involves sums of money or periods of time, singular verbs are used regardless of the apparent plurality of the subject, as explained in Rule 12. This rule is important for maintaining logical consistency in expressions of quantity and time.
Pronouns as Subjects
When pronouns like “who,” “that,” or “which” function as subjects, the verb agrees with the antecedent of the pronoun, as detailed in Rule 13. This rule ensures that the verb form reflects the actual subject, maintaining clear and correct agreement.
Special Cases
Special cases, such as sentences beginning with “here” or “there,” require careful attention to ensure the verb agrees with the true subject, which follows the verb, as per Rule 11. Recognizing the subject in these constructions is key to correct verb agreement.
In conclusion, mastering subject-verb agreement involves understanding basic rules and applying them to various sentence structures. This ensures clear and grammatically correct writing, enhancing both readability and precision. By adhering to these rules and recognizing exceptions, writers can avoid common pitfalls and achieve effective communication.