Special Cases of Agreement govern tricky subject and verb pairings in English sentence structure, such as plural nouns indicating weight, collective fractions, and words like pants, scissors, or number.
Quick Reference
| Word or phrase | Verb |
|---|---|
| pants, pliers, scissors, tongs | Plural |
| a pair of… | Singular |
| Plural noun showing weight, extent, or quantity | Singular |
| half, part | Singular for a mass or section; plural for a number of individuals or things |
| a number of… | Plural |
| the number of… | Singular |
| Name of a firm | Usually singular |
| there / here | Never the subject — find the true subject |
What Are Special Cases of Agreement in English Grammar?
Understanding advanced syntax requires looking beyond basic rules. In English sentence structure, certain nouns and phrases defy standard plural or singular classifications, demanding careful attention to context and specific grammar rules.
How Do Plural Nouns and Pairs Function with Verbs?
Words like pants, pliers, scissors, and tongs are plural and take a plural verb. When the word pair is used as a subject, the subject is regarded as singular and takes a singular verb.
Do Nouns Showing Weight, Extent, or Quantity Take Singular Verbs?
A plural noun that shows weight, extent, or quantity is singular, and takes a singular verb.
How Do Words Like Half, Part, and Number Affect Agreement?
Determining the correct verb form depends heavily on whether a noun refers to an undivided mass, a collection of individuals, or how an article modifies a noun phrase.
When Are Half and Part Singular or Plural?
The words half and part are singular or plural according to the meaning of the sentence. When these words refer to a mass or a section, they are singular. When they refer to a number of individuals or things, they are plural.
How Do Articles Change the Verb with Number?
When the word number is preceded by the article a, it takes a plural verb; however, when it is immediately preceded by the article the, it takes a singular verb.
For comprehensive rules on standard subject-verb pairings before tackling these exceptions, review Agreement of Subject and Verb.
How Do Firm Names and Transposed Subjects Work?
Advanced syntax rules also cover corporate entity titles and sentences beginning with introductory adverbs.
Is the Name of a Firm Singular or Plural?
Usually, the name of a firm is regarded as singular even when there is a plural form in the title.
How Do You Find the True Subject with There or Here?
Sometimes a sentence begins with the word there or here. Neither of these words can be the subject of a sentence. To find the true subject, transpose the sentence so that the true subject appears at the beginning.
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Key Takeaways
- Words like pants, scissors, and pliers are plural, but “a pair of” makes the subject singular.
- Plural nouns showing weight, extent, or quantity take singular verbs.
- “Half” and “part” take singular verbs for masses and plural verbs for numbers of individuals.
- “A number of” takes a plural verb, while “the number of” takes a singular verb.
- Company and firm names usually take singular verbs, and introductory words like “there” or “here” are never true subjects.
Quick Practice
Test your understanding of special agreement rules, then tap Show answer. You can also share your answers in the comments below.
- A pair of trousers (is / are) hanging in the closet.
Show answer
is — when pair is the subject, it takes a singular verb. - A number of students (is / are) absent today.
Show answer
are — A number of takes a plural verb.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if “half” takes a singular or plural verb?
The words half and part depend on sentence context. When they refer to an undivided mass or section, they take a singular verb. When they refer to a number of individuals or separate things, they take a plural verb.
Does “the number of” take a singular or plural verb?
When the word number is immediately preceded by the article “the”, it takes a singular verb. Conversely, when it is preceded by the article “a”, it takes a plural verb.
More Lessons to Try
Continue improving your English grammar and writing skills with these related lessons:
- Agreement of Subject and Verb
- Cases of Nouns and Pronouns
- Thirty Basic Rules in Subject-Verb Agreement and Grammar
- Adjective Clauses
- Adjectives have Comparison
- Explore All Grammar Lessons