Understanding Subject/Verb Agreement
Mastering Subject/Verb Agreement is essential for clear sentence structure and correct grammar. This comprehensive guide provides several foundational guidelines and rules to help ensure your subjects and verbs match correctly in every sentence.
What Are the Core Rules of Subject/Verb Agreement?
When the subject of a sentence is composed of two or more nouns or pronouns connected by and, use a plural verb.
When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are connected by or or nor, use a singular verb.
When a compound subject contains both a singular and a plural noun or pronoun joined by or or nor, the verb should agree with the part of the subject that is nearer the verb.
How to Use Contractions Correctly
Doesn't is a contraction of does not and should be used only with a singular subject. Don't is a contraction of do not and should be used only with a plural subject. The exception to this rule appears in the case of the first person and second person pronouns I and you. With these pronouns, the contraction don't should be used.
Navigating Tricky Subject/Verb Exceptions
Do not be misled by a phrase that comes between the subject and the verb. The verb agrees with the subject, not with a noun or pronoun in the phrase.
The words each, each one, either, neither, everyone, everybody, anybody, anyone, nobody, somebody, someone, and no one are singular and require a singular verb.
Nouns such as civics, mathematics, dollars, measles, and news require singular verbs.
Note: The word dollars is a special case. When talking about an amount of money, it requires a singular verb, but when referring to the dollars themselves, a plural verb is required.
Nouns such as scissors, tweezers, trousers, and shears require plural verbs. (There are two parts to these things.)
In sentences beginning with "there is" or "there are," the subject follows the verb. Since "there" is not the subject, the verb agrees with what follows.
Collective nouns are words that imply more than one person but that are considered singular and take a singular verb, such as group, team, committee, class, and family.
This sentence is referring to the individual efforts of each crew member. The Gregg Reference Manual provides excellent explanations of subject-verb agreement (section 10: 1001).
Expressions such as with, together with, including, accompanied by, in addition to, or as well do not change the number of the subject. If the subject is singular, the verb is too.
Key Takeaways
- Subjects joined by "and" generally take a plural verb.
- Singular subjects joined by "or" or "nor" require a singular verb.
- Words like "each", "everybody", and "someone" are singular and take singular verbs.
- Intervening phrases between the subject and verb do not change the number of the subject.
Quick Practice
Test your understanding of subject-verb agreement by writing your answers in the comments below:
- One of the boxes (is / are) open.
- The team (runs / run) during practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is subject/verb agreement?
Subject/verb agreement means that the subject of a sentence and the verb must match in number—both must be singular, or both must be plural.
Do collective nouns take singular or plural verbs?
Collective nouns such as group, team, committee, class, and family are generally considered singular and take a singular verb, unless referring to individual member efforts.
How do "or" and "nor" affect the verb?
When two singular nouns are connected by "or" or "nor", use a singular verb. If a singular and plural noun are joined, the verb agrees with the part of the subject nearer to it.