Subject/Verb Agreement

Subject/Verb Agreement

  • If a subject is plural, the verb must have a plural form, and if the subject is singular, the verb must have a singular form. Ignore prepositional phrases.

    • The rose in the vase is wilted. (Ignore in the vase)

    • The roses in the vase are wilted. (Ignore in the vase)

    • The man in the woods lives alone. (Ignore in the woods)

    • The length of these boats is twenty feet. (Ignore of these boats)

  • If subjects are joined by and you will use a plural form unless the two items describe the same person or thing.

    • The coach and the umpire were at home plate.

    • The creator and director of Schindler’s List is Stephen Spielberg.

    • Both the cha-cha and the rumba are Cuban dances.

    • Macaroni and cheese is my favorite snack.

  • If the subjects are joined by or, nor, either/or, neither/nor look at the word closest to the verb to choose the correct form.

    • The teacher or the students are bringing snacks.

    • The students or the teacher is bringing snacks.

    • Neither the coach nor the players know the umpire.

    • Neither the players nor the coach knows the umpire.

  • Phrases such as together with, along with, and as well as seem to combine subjects, but they do not .

    • Some of the tile in our room, as well as the hall, was soaked.

    • The major problem we had, together with that of our teacher, was tardiness.

    • My bicycle, as well as my skates, needs repair.

    • The watermelon, as well as the cantaloupe, is ripe.

    • Cereal, together with fruit and milk, provides a good breakfast.

  • Each, either, one, everybody, and anyone are considered singular and require singular verbs.

    • Either of them is willing to shovel the driveway.

    • Each has brought a ticket to the counter.

    • Everybody has a parking spot.

  • All, any, some, none, and most can be singular or plural; it depends on the sentence.

    • Some of the books are very valuable.

    • Some of the tea is left in the pitcher.

    • All of the players were angry.

    • All of the ice is gone.

  • If the subject follows the verb, simply reverse the order in your mind to figure out the correct usage.

    • Where are Sara and Julia? (Sara and Julia are here)

    • Here are the girls. (The girls are here)

    • Where is that yellow chalk? (The yellow chalk is over there)

    • Here is the reason. (The reason is...)