SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT

Know the Rules!

1. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular.
Example: She writes every day.
2. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.
Example: They write every day.
3. When the subject of the sentence is composed of two or more
nouns or pronouns connected by and, use a plural verb.
Example: The doctoral student and the committee members write
every day.
4. When there is one subject and more than one verb, the verbs
throughout the sentence must agree with the subject.
Example: Interviews are one way to collect data and allow researchers to
gain in-depth understanding of participants.
5. Intervening words like together with, in addition to, along with, as
well as, including and similar constructions following the subject do not
affect the number of the subject.
Examples: The student, as well as the committee members, is excited.
Strategies that the teacher uses to encourage classroom participation
include using small groups and clarifying expectations.
 6. When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are connected by "or"
or "nor," use a singular verb.
Example: The chairperson or the CEO approves the proposal before
proceeding.
7. 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 closest to the verb. This is also called the rule of
proximity.
Examples: The student or the committee members write every day.
The committee members or the student writes every day.
 8. The words and phrases "each," "each one," "either," "neither,"
"everyone," "everybody," "anyone," "anybody," "nobody," "somebody,"
"someone," and "no one" are singular and require a singular verb.
Examples: Each of the participants was willing to be recorded.
Neither alternative hypotheses was accepted.
I will offer a 5000php gift card to everybody who participates in the
study.
No one was available to meet with me at the preferred time.
 9. Non-count nouns take a singular verb.
Examples: Education is the key to success.
Diabetes affects many people around the world.
The information obtained from the business owners was relevant to include in the
study.
The research I found on the topic was limited.
10. Some countable nouns in English such as earnings, goods, odds, surroundings,
proceeds, contents, and valuables only have a plural form and take a plural verb.
Examples: The earnings for this quarter exceed expectations.
The proceeds from the sale go to support the homeless population in the city.
Locally produced goods have the advantage of shorter supply chains.
11. 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 the verb.
Examples: There is little administrative support.
There are many factors affecting teacher retention.
12. A collective noun acting as a single unit takes a singular verb. However, the
plural verb is used when the individual if the focus is on the individuals in the
group.
Examples: The group meets every week.
The committee participate in various volunteer activities in private lives.
13. In the present tense, verbs agree with their subjects in NUMBER
(singular/plural) and in PERSON (first, second, or third). The present tense ending
–s (or –es) is used on a verb if the subject is THIRD PERSON SINGULAR.
Otherwise, the verb takes NO ENDING.
14. A few indefinite pronouns such as All, Any, None and Some may be
singular or plural DEPENDING on the noun or pronoun they refer to.
Examples: Some of the apples were sold.
Some of the flour was spilled.
15. Titles of works, story, article or establishment, even when plural in
form, takes a singular subject
Example: BSP Enterprises is owned by Mr. Santos.
16. Adjectives used as subjects take plural verbs.
Example: The brave are honored.
17. Fractions may take singular or plural verbs depending on the of-
phrase.
Examples: Two-thirds of the school’s population speaks Pangalatok.
Two-thirds of the children are in grade school.
18. Words or phrases expressing periods of time, weight, measurement
and amounts of money are usually regarded as singular.
Examples: Five years is a long engagement period.
Five thousand pesos is the prize money.
19. The expression the number takes a singular verb; the
expression a number takes a plural verb.
Examples: The number of applicants is big.
A number of applicants are very young.
20. Nouns plural in form but singular in meaning
Statistics (am, is, are) showing an increase in inflation.