Subject-Verb Agreement Rules

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Questions and Answers

Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement when using a collective noun?

  • The team is arguing about which strategy to use.
  • The family are deciding on their vacation plans.
  • The committee has submitted their report. (correct)
  • The staff is disagreeing on the new policy.

Identify the sentence in which the subject-verb agreement is correct, despite the presence of an intervening prepositional phrase.

  • The leader of the explorers speak eloquently.
  • The stack of books are heavy.
  • The bouquet of flowers smell fragrant. (correct)
  • The box of chocolates sit on the table.

Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement with a subject that follows the verb?

  • Here is the books you requested.
  • There is many reasons to be happy.
  • There seems to be a problem.
  • Here are the keys to the car. (correct)

Choose the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement when using 'either/or'.

<p>Either the students or the teacher are going to present. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Select the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement involving a gerund phrase as the subject.

<p>Reading is one of my favorite hobbies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence correctly uses subject-verb agreement with an indefinite pronoun?

<p>Everybody is ready to go. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which sentence is the subject-verb agreement correct when referring to titles?

<p>&quot;[title of book]&quot; is an inspiring novel. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Choose the sentence that demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement with sums of money or units of measurement.

<p>One million dollars is a lot of money. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence shows correct subject-verb agreement when subjects are joined by 'and' but refer to the same entity?

<p>The author and poet is giving a reading tonight. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement where plural subjects are connected by 'or'.

<p>The cats or the dogs are going to be fed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Subject-Verb Agreement

Only the subject of a sentence determines the verb form used.

Singular Verb with Specific Words

Use a singular verb when the subject is preceded by words like each, either, neither, everyone, anyone, someone, everybody, anybody, and somebody.

Singular Verb with Indefinite Pronouns

Use a singular verb when the subject is an indefinite pronoun like anyone, anybody and no one.

Singular Verbs for Sums, Equations, Units

Sums of money, mathematical equations, and units of measurement take singular verbs when considered as a single unit.

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Plural Verb with 'And'

Use a plural verb if two subjects are joined by 'and', implying distinct entities.

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Plural Verbs with Quantifiers

Few, Several, Both, Many, and Some take plural verbs.

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Plural Verb with 'I' and 'You'

Pronouns 'I' and 'you' always take a plural verb form, regardless of number.

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Ignore Intervening Phrases

Phrases or words inserted between the subject and verb do not affect subject-verb agreement. Focus on the actual subject.

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'There' and 'Here' Sentences

When a sentence starts with 'there' or 'here', the verb agrees with the subject that comes after the verb.

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Nearest Subject Rule

When subjects are connected by 'neither/nor', 'either/or', or 'not only/but also', the verb agrees with the subject nearest to it.

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Study Notes

  • Only the subject of a sentence affects the verb form.

Singular Verbs

  • Use singular verbs when the subject is preceded by words like each, either, neither, everyone, any, anyone, someone, everybody, anybody, or somebody.
  • Indefinite pronouns like anyone, anybody, and no one require singular verbs.
  • Sums of money, mathematical equations, and units of measurement take singular verbs.
  • Collective nouns take singular verbs when referring to a single group of individuals.
  • If two subjects are separated by "and" but refer to the same person or thing, a singular verb is used.
  • When gerunds (verbs ending in -ing used as subjects) are the subject, use a singular verb.
  • Titles of books, movies, or shows take a singular verb.

Plural Verbs

  • If two subjects are joined by "and", they typically require a plural verb form, especially when each subject has a distinct possession.
  • Collective nouns take plural verbs when emphasizing variations/sections.
  • Use plural verbs with words like few, several, all, many, both, and some.
  • If both subjects are plural and connected with or, nor, either/or, or not only/but also, use a plural verb.
  • Two infinitives (to + verb) separated by "and" require a plural verb.
  • When gerunds are connected by "and", use a plural verb.
  • The pronouns "I" and "you" always take a plural verb.

General Rules

  • Subjects and verbs must agree in number, singular subjects take verbs ending in "S" and plural subjects take the base form of the verb.
  • Phrases or words between the subject and verb do not affect agreement.
  • Prepositional phrases between the subject and verb do not affect agreement.
  • If a sentence starts with "there" or "here," the verb comes before the subject.
  • In questions, the verb comes before the subject.
  • With neither/nor, either/or, and not only/but also, the verb agrees with the subject nearest to it.

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