| Agreement of Subject and Verb |
| Verbs
can change form in tense, person, and number. The subject and
verb of every clause (independent or dependent), however, must
agree in person and number. Once you identify the subject and
the verb, you can then determine such agreement of the subject
and the verb. |
| There
are three persons: |
First
person- the speaker
Second person-the person spoken to
Third person- the person spoken about
|
| There
are two numbers: |
Singular-
denoting one person or thing
Plural- denoting more than one person or thing
|
Nouns
ending in s are usually plural.
Verbs ending in s are singular |
| Singular
subjects should be paired with singular verbs and plural subjects
should be paired with plural verbs. |
she walks
the book is
they want
Bill, John, and Jane go
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|
| 1.
Compound Subjects |
| Compound subjects joined by and normally require
a plural verb: |
Hard work and persistence are required in all rewarding
accomplishments. Where are the pens and paper?
|
| Subjects which include at least two nouns or pronouns
connected by and should be paired with plural verbs. |
the manager and the employees are
the cats and the dog run
the man and the woman are
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|
| 2.
Subjects Joined by Or or Nor |
| When
two or more subject are joined by or or nor, the verb should
agree with the subject part closest to the verb. This also applies
to either/or and neither/nor. |
the professor
or her students write
the students or their professor writes
the boy or the girl walks
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|
| 3.
Intervening Expressions |
| Modifying
phrases or clauses that come between the subject and the verb
do not change the number of the verb. The number of the verb
is determined entirely by the number of the subject: |
The assignment,
which they submitted to their professor, was incomplete. [Assignment
is the subject of the verb was].
The new computer classroom, with its many work stations and
its sophisticated technology, fills [not fill] a long-felt
need. [Computer classroom is the subject of the verb fills;
the phrase with its many work stations� has nothing to do
with the verb.]
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| 4.
Verb Preceding the Subject |
| It is possible for a verb to come before a subject
in a sentence. The rules of agreement between the subject and
the verb remain the same despite the change in order. |
There is in many cities a desire to reduce traffic
and pollution. [Desire is the subject of the verb is.]
There are a stapler, two pens, four books, and a writing tablet
on the desk. [Stapler, pens, books and writing tablet are
the subjects of the verb are.]
Where are Joan and her daughters going? [Joan and her daughters
are subjects of the verb are going.]
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| 5.
Indefinite Pronouns |
| The
indefinite pronouns or adjectives either, neither, and each,
as well as compounds such as everybody, anybody, everyone, and
anyone are always singular. None may be singular or plural.
The plural usage is more common. |
Each
of the cars has its insurance proof in the glove compartment.
Everyone at the meeting was upset over the policies announced.
Every employee, supervisor, and executive reveals the operation
of a model company.
Is either of you ready for lunch?
None of the employees have brought their children to the company
dinner.
None of the students is interested in the research
project.
None--no, not one--is planning to attend the retreat.
|
|
| 6.
Subjects Plural in Form |
|
| Singular
verbs are usually used with nouns that are plural in form but
singular in meaning. |
| The
following nouns are usually singular in meaning: news, economics,
ethics, physics, mathematics, gallows, mumps, measles, shambles,
whereabouts. |
a peanut
butter and jelly sandwich is�
physics is a difficult course�
statistics is�
politics is�
athletics seems�
|
| Nouns
such as gymnastics, tactics, trousers, scissors, athletics,
tidings, acoustics, riches, and barracks are usually treated
as plural. |
His tactics
are sneaky.
The scissors are on the table.
The trousers are hanging in the closet.
|
| Plural
nouns denoting a mass, a quantity, or a number require a singular
verb when the subject is regarded as a unit. |
Five
dollars is too much for her to pay.
Fifty bushels was all the bin would hold.
|
| Though
usage is mixed, phrases involving addition, multiplication,
subtraction, and division of numbers usually take the singular
form. |
Two plus
two is four.
Two times three is six.
Twelve divided by six is two.
|
| In
expressions like part of the apple, some of the pie, all of
the money, the number of part, some, and all is determined by
the number of the noun in the prepositional phrase. |
Some
of the pie has been eaten.
Some of the pies have been eaten.
|
|
| 7.
The Subject of Some Form of To Be |
| When
one noun precedes and another follows some form of the verb
to be, the first noun is the subject, and the verb agrees with
it and not with the complement even if the complement is different
in number. |
The only
food remaining is mashed potatoes.
Mashed potatoes are the
only food remaining.
|
[In the first
sentence, food is the subject; in the second, mashed potatoes.]
|
|
| 8.
Relative Pronoun as Subject |
|
| When a relative pronoun (who, which, or that)
is used as the subject of a clause, the number and person of
the verb are determined by the antecedent of the pronoun, the
word to which the pronoun refers |
This is the professor who is to be hired.
[The antecedent of who is the singular noun professor; therefore, who is singular.]
These are the employees who are to be working tomorrow.
[The antecedent of who is the plural noun employees.]
Should I, who am not a student at the school, be allowed to take the class?
[Who refers to I; I is first person, singular number.]
She is one of those tough professors who are always expecting the best from students.
[The antecedent of who is professors.]
|
| If sentences such as the last one give you trouble,
try beginning the sentence with the "of" phrase, and you will
readily see that the antecedent of who is persons and not one.
Of those tough professors who are always expecting the best
from students, she is one. |
|
| 9.
Collective Nouns |
|
| Some
nouns are singular in form but plural in meaning. They are called
collective nouns and include such words as team, class, committee,
crowd, and crew. These nouns may take either a singular or plural
verb; if you are thinking of the group as a unit, use a singular
verb; if you are thinking of the individual members of the group,
use a plural verb. |
| When
referring to a group as a single unit, a singular verb is used. |
The public
is�
The family is�
The class is demanding�
|
| When
referring to a group's members as individuals, a plural verb
is used. |
The committee
fight among themselves.
The student body are talking with each other.
The class are writing.
|
|
| 10.
Nouns with Foreign Plurals |
| |
| Some
nouns retain the plural forms peculiar to the languages from
which they have been borrowed: alumni, media, crisis. Still
other nouns occur with either their original plural forms or
plural forms typical of English: aquaria or aquariums, criteria
or criterions. If you are in doubt as to the correct or preferred
plural form of a noun, consult a good dictionary. |
Note:
Be careful not to use a plural form when you refer to a singular
idea.
For instance:
|
He is an
alumnus [not alumni] of this school
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Subject
Verb Agreement Practice 1
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| Mark
the appropriate verb choice for each of the following sentences. |
- The noisy students (have, has) to leave after two warnings.
- She is the only one of the students who (have, has) failed
the test.
- The crying baby (irritate, irritates) them.
- The longest of the presentations (is, are) the next group.
- The students and their teacher (is, are) traveling to the
competition.
- Either one of the choices (is, are) going to disrupt the
schedule.
- This is the stereo system that (have, has) been purchased
most often in our store.
- Nobody (dare, dares) to challenge the teacher when she is
wrong.
- The players or their coach (is, are) holding a press conference.
- Neither of the students (has, have) been to Europe.
- The problems (was, were) due to a misunderstanding.
- Which (is, are) more interesting, the red jackets or the
blue sweaters?
- (Has, Have) the manager or the assistant manager approached
you?
- Joan, as well as my sister, (is, are) in college now.
- Several of the students (has, have) left.
- Both of the children (has, have) red notebooks.
- One of the best known love stories (is, are) Romeo and Juliet.
- Mathematics (is, are) very difficult for many students to
master.
- She is one of the girls who (have, has) long hair.
- She or her sisters (is, are) going.
(click here to see answer key)
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| Subject Verb Agreement Practice 2 |
| Mark
the appropriate verb choice for each of the following sentences. |
- Each of the exercises (take, takes) about twenty minutes to
complete.
- The ladies and the child (is, are) planning to have pizza
for lunch.
- The teacher, along with her students, (is, are) determined
to have a good year.
- Please tell me when John and Mary (go, goes) to the store.
- The class (watch, watches) a movie every Friday night.
- The number of issues (seem, seems) to be increasing.
- The husband and his wife (drive, drives) a convertible.
- Hardly anyone (speak, speaks) to her.
- He or his sister (want, wants) to visit Europe next summer.
- She (take, takes) her dog for a walk each evening.
- The brother and sister (want, wants) to visit their aunt
and uncle.
- The high school senior, along with his parents, (is, are)
upset over the sudden policy change.
- The songs they sing (stay, stays) in my mind all day.
- Ten dollars (is, are) too much to charge for such a small
item.
- She and her mother (talk, talks) on the phone almost every
day.
- The blue ones (seem, seems) to match best.
- Teenagers and their parents (see, sees) things very differently.
- She, against her aunt's wishes, (have, has) decided to go
skiing instead.
- When the two of them (go, goes) together, they always have
fun.
- He and his girlfriend (love, loves) to go camping.
(click here to see answer key) |
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Subject
Verb Agreement Practice 3
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| Circle
the correct form of the verb tense and indicate the rule that
determines the correct answer. |
___
1. Formal trousers (is, are) required for this dinner party.
___ 2. Her friend and mentor (were, was) one of her college
professors.
___ 3. Neither a dog nor a cat (offer, offers) the same companionship
as another person.
___ 4. On the other side of the street (are, is) a restaurant
and a clothing store.
___ 5. In the back seat of his car (was, were) three books and
his briefcase.
___ 6. Three hours (are, is) not going to be enough time to
travel that distance.
___ 7. The pressure of academic life can sometimes (tempt, tempts)
students to cheat. ___ 8. Everyone in the group (was, were)
supposed to meet at the front gate at 7:00. ___ 9. Each of these
books (was, were) useful in my grammar review.
___ 10. The professor, along with many of his students, (is,
are) preparing for the end of the semester.
___ 11. I don't think either of these cars (are, is) reliable
enough for a long road trip. ___ 12. The criteria for passing
the exam (are, is) becoming more difficult.
___ 13. (Are, Is) Lois or Kate your choice for the promotion?
___ 14. Algebra and geometry (is, are) the only math courses
being offered this semester.
___ 15. Athletics (have, has) been a matter of increasing interest
among women.
___ 16. Every one of the guests (have, has) had an opportunity
to wish the couple well.
___ 17. The results of the latest standardized
exams (indicate, indicates) an increase in standards at the
school.
___ 18. According to the newspaper, there (were, was) three
main suspects questioned.
___ 19. (Have, Has) the spring training programs begun yet?
___ 20. My favorite literature to read (are, is) modern American
poetry.
(click here to see answer key |
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| Subject Verb Agreement Practice 4 |
| Circle the correct form of the verb tense and indicate the rule that determines the correct answer. |
___
1. I am certain that both Catherine and Lucy (is, are) coming
to visit this weekend.
___ 2. The scissors (is, are) kept in
the top desk drawer.
___ 3. Neither the twins nor their older brother (have, has)
ever seen snow.
___ 4. Some of the fruit (have, has) already begun to ripen.
___ 5. The news reported by the president of the college (are,
is) considered bad by most people.
___ 6. The media (are, is) planning elaborate coverage of the
event.
___ 7. Neither of my neighbors (invite, invites) me over very
often.
___ 8. My aunt, as well as all of my cousins, (have, has) been
sick this past week.
___ 9. Over twelve gallons of gas (are, is) used each week because
of our commute to work.
___ 10. How much (is, are) twenty times fourteen?
___ 11. He is one of the professors who (attract, attracts)
a large number of students.
___ 12. The major concern, which
is why we changed our plans, (are, is) the children.
___ 13. Most of the school corridors, which are extremely old, (are,
is) in need of paint.
___ 14. When the rain begins to fall harder,
every swimmer (are, is) told get out of the water.
___ 15. One hundred dollars (is, are) being offered for information
about the crimes.
___ 16. Their high pressure sales tactics (is, are) resented by many people.
___ 17. The phenomenon that surprised many people (were, was) explained by the leading scientist in the field.
___ 18. None of the Southern states (have, has) ever experienced
much snow.
___ 19. There (are, is) very strict criteria for passing the
exam.
___ 20. The commercial states that every product they sell (are, is) superior to their main competitor's products.
(click here to see answer key) |
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Subject Verb Agreement Practice 5
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| Select
the sentence that has an error in subject verb agreement. |
|
-
A. Both Christine and Heather have published their stories
in major journals.
B. Neither student has the assignment completed.
C. The problems take them all evening to complete.
D. He is one of the students who has taken the exam.
-
A. He and his girlfriend talk on the phone constantly.
B. Neither she nor her mother wants to go to the dinner.
C. The professor or one of her research assistants is at every
meeting.
D. The longest of the meetings are the first one of the semester.
-
A. The young couple has a new home in a beautiful neighborhood.
B. Either the professor or his students have prepared the
grant submission.
C. Has an instructor or one of the lab assistants come to
help you?
D. Neither the students nor their professor are going to the
meeting.
-
A. The jury are taking their seats in the courtroom now.
B. The number of students are increasing.
C. Each of her daughters has developed a unique style.
D. Neither Suzi nor her sister has been able to find the missing
earring.
-
A. There seem to be a growing interest in that class.
B. Either the students or their parents have spoken to the
board.
C. When all of the tests are finished, the scientists will
have more information.
D. Everyone except the lead suspect has given a statement
to the police.
-
A. Two books, a pen, a steno tablet, and some candy was found
in the briefcase.
B. Someone in the class or Sara critiques each presentation.
C. The child's demands irritate the parents.
D. Each of the students wears a white shirt with blue pants.
-
A. Each of the applicants completes an entrance exam, which
requires an essay.
B. Every member of the chorus was complemented on the production.
C. The children, the mother, and the father were there supporting
the team.
D. There has been problems with the outdated policy.
-
A. The time the classes are offered have made it difficult
for many students.
B. The worker's tasks have not been neglected.
C. Dr. Jones, as well as Ms. Griffin, attends the conference
every year.
D. One of the members has not returned from the recess.
-
A. The new system of taking messages have helped our response
time tremendously.
B. Neither one of the children has agreed to come to the meeting.
C. The student, as well as her parents, was pleased with the
grade report.
D. Either the student or his parents have collected his books.
-
A. Neither John nor his sisters has completed an information
form.
B. A book, a pen, and paper were on the desk.
C. Either the student or one of the panel members respond
to each question.
D. The committee debate the issues among themselves after
each open session.
(click here to see answer key) |
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