Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule of English grammar that ensures clarity and professionalism in written and spoken communication. When a subject and its verb agree in number, the sentence flows smoothly and is easier for the reader or listener to understand. Conversely, errors in subject-verb agreement can be distracting and undermine the credibility of the writer or speaker.
This guide will delve into the intricacies of subject-verb agreement, providing practical strategies and clear examples to help you master this essential grammatical concept. We will explore common pitfalls and offer solutions, empowering you to write with greater confidence and precision.
The Core Principle of Subject-Verb Agreement
The foundational rule of subject-verb agreement is straightforward: a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb. This principle applies to all parts of speech that function as subjects, including nouns, pronouns, and noun phrases.
For instance, in the sentence “The dog barks,” “dog” is a singular subject, and “barks” is its singular verb form. If the subject were plural, such as “The dogs,” the verb would change to its plural form: “The dogs bark.”
Understanding this basic concept is the first step toward achieving accurate subject-verb agreement in your writing. Many common errors arise from overlooking this simple yet crucial connection between the subject and its verb.
Identifying the Subject
The most frequent cause of subject-verb agreement errors is misidentifying the subject of the sentence. Often, phrases or clauses separate the subject from its verb, making it challenging to determine which word the verb should agree with.
Prepositional phrases, which begin with prepositions like “of,” “in,” “on,” “at,” “to,” “from,” “with,” or “about,” are common culprits. The noun or pronoun within a prepositional phrase is rarely the subject of the sentence.
Consider the sentence: “The box of chocolates is on the table.” Here, “box” is the singular subject, not “chocolates,” which is part of the prepositional phrase “of chocolates.” Therefore, the singular verb “is” is correct.
Similarly, relative clauses (introduced by “who,” “which,” or “that”) can obscure the subject. “The student who completed all the assignments passed the exam.” The subject is “student,” which is singular, and it agrees with the singular verb “passed.”
When faced with a potentially confusing sentence, try to isolate the core subject and verb. Removing intervening phrases or clauses can often clarify the grammatical relationship.
Compound Subjects
Compound subjects, which consist of two or more subjects joined by a conjunction, present specific rules for subject-verb agreement.
When subjects are joined by “and,” they typically form a plural subject and require a plural verb. “John and Mary are going to the party.” Both “John” and “Mary” together constitute a plural subject, hence the plural verb “are.”
However, if the two subjects joined by “and” refer to a single, unified idea or entity, they may take a singular verb. “Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.” Here, “peanut butter and jelly” is treated as a single food item.
This distinction is important for nuanced writing. While less common, recognizing these unified concepts ensures grammatical accuracy.
Subjects Joined by “Or” or “Nor”
When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject that is closest to it. This rule applies to both singular and plural subjects.
For example, “The teacher or the students are responsible for the project.” The subject closest to the verb “are” is “students,” which is plural, so the plural verb is used. If the sentence were reversed, “The students or the teacher is responsible for the project,” the subject closest to the verb “is” would be “teacher,” a singular noun, dictating the singular verb.
This proximity rule is crucial for maintaining agreement when coordinating conjunctions like “or” and “nor” connect subjects of different numbers. It ensures that the verb aligns with the immediately preceding subject element.
Consider another example: “Neither the cat nor the dogs have arrived.” The plural subject “dogs” is closer to the verb “have,” so the plural verb is correct. If it were “Neither the dogs nor the cat has arrived,” the singular subject “cat” would be closer, requiring the singular verb “has.”
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns often cause confusion because their number (singular or plural) is not always obvious. Some indefinite pronouns are always singular, some are always plural, and others can be either singular or plural depending on the context.
Indefinite pronouns that are always singular include: “each,” “either,” “neither,” “one,” “everyone,” “everybody,” “everything,” “someone,” “somebody,” “something,” “no one,” “nobody,” “nothing,” and “anyone,” “anybody,” “anything.” These always take a singular verb.
For example, “Everyone is invited to the celebration.” The singular indefinite pronoun “everyone” requires the singular verb “is.” “Something smells delicious.” “Something” is singular, so “smells” is the correct singular verb form.
Indefinite pronouns that are always plural include: “both,” “few,” “many,” and “several.” These always take a plural verb.
For instance, “Few understand the complexity of the issue.” “Few” is plural, so the plural verb “understand” is used. “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Both “many” and “few” are plural indefinite pronouns, correctly paired with plural verbs.
The indefinite pronouns that can be either singular or plural include: “all,” “any,” “most,” “none,” and “some.” The number of the verb depends on whether the pronoun refers to a singular or plural noun. This is determined by the noun in the prepositional phrase that follows the pronoun, if one exists.
If the pronoun refers to a singular noun, use a singular verb. “Some of the cake is left.” Here, “cake” is singular, so “is” is used. If it refers to a plural noun, use a plural verb. “Some of the cookies are gone.” “Cookies” is plural, so “are” is used.
When these indefinite pronouns stand alone without a modifying prepositional phrase, they are typically considered singular. “All is lost.” This implies a singular, overarching state of loss.
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns represent a group of individuals or things. Examples include “team,” “family,” “committee,” “class,” “audience,” “government,” and “company.” The agreement of verbs with collective nouns can be tricky because the noun can be treated as either singular or plural.
When the collective noun is acting as a single unit, it takes a singular verb. “The team is practicing hard for the championship game.” Here, “team” is viewed as one entity. “The jury has reached its verdict.” The jury acts as a single body.
However, when the members of the group are acting as individuals, the collective noun takes a plural verb. “The team are arguing about the strategy.” This implies that individual members of the team are in disagreement. “The committee have submitted their individual reports.” This emphasizes the separate contributions of each committee member.
The context of the sentence is key to determining whether to use a singular or plural verb with a collective noun. Pay attention to whether the group is functioning as a cohesive whole or as a collection of individuals.
Nouns That Are Plural in Form But Singular in Meaning
Certain nouns in English are plural in form (ending in -s) but are singular in meaning. These nouns typically refer to subjects, fields of study, diseases, or other concepts that are treated as single entities.
Examples include “mathematics,” “physics,” “economics,” “news,” “measles,” and “mumps.” These nouns always take a singular verb.
For example, “Mathematics is a challenging subject for many students.” The noun “mathematics” is singular in meaning, requiring the singular verb “is.” “The news is not good today.” “News” is a singular concept.
A common mistake is to assume that any noun ending in -s must take a plural verb. Always consider the meaning and function of the noun within the sentence.
Some titles of books, movies, or organizations also fit this category. “The Grapes of Wrath is a classic novel.” The title itself is treated as a singular entity. “Google is a technology giant.” The company name is singular.
Nouns That Are Singular in Form But Plural in Meaning
Conversely, some nouns are singular in form but represent a plural concept or are treated as plural in certain contexts. Often, these refer to things that are inherently plural or are understood as a collection.
For example, “police” is a noun that, while singular in form, refers to a group of officers. Therefore, it typically takes a plural verb. “The police are investigating the incident.” “Police” refers to the body of officers.
Another example is “cattle,” which is a plural noun that takes a plural verb. “The cattle are grazing in the field.” This is a common exception to singular-form-singular-verb expectations.
Be mindful of these exceptions, as they deviate from the standard singular/plural pairings. Understanding their usage ensures accurate agreement.
Sentences Beginning with “There Is” or “There Are”
Sentences that begin with “there is” or “there are” can be tricky because the subject follows the verb. In these constructions, the verb must agree with the noun that comes immediately after it.
If the noun following “there is/are” is singular, use “there is.” “There is a book on the shelf.” The singular noun “book” requires “is.”
If the noun is plural, use “there are.” “There are two books on the shelf.” The plural noun “books” requires “are.”
This rule also applies to compound subjects following “there.” “There is a cat and a dog in the yard.” The singular subject “cat” comes first, so “is” is used. If the order were reversed, “There are a dog and two cats in the yard,” the plural subject “cats” would dictate “are.”
Pay close attention to the noun that immediately follows “there is” or “there are” to ensure correct subject-verb agreement.
Relative Pronouns (Who, Whom, Which, That)
Relative pronouns act as subjects of dependent clauses, and their verb agreement depends on the antecedent (the noun or pronoun they refer to).
When “who” refers to a singular antecedent, it takes a singular verb. “She is the student who understands the material.” “Student” is singular, so “understands” is singular. When “who” refers to a plural antecedent, it takes a plural verb. “They are the students who understand the material.” “Students” is plural, so “understand” is plural.
“Which” and “that” also follow this rule based on their antecedents. “This is the car that needs repair.” “Car” is singular, so “needs” is singular. “These are the cars that need repair.” “Cars” is plural, so “need” is plural.
Remember that “who” typically refers to people, while “which” refers to things or animals, and “that” can refer to either people or things. The agreement hinges on the noun the pronoun replaces.
Intervening Phrases and Clauses
As mentioned earlier, phrases and clauses that come between the subject and the verb can disrupt agreement. These often include prepositional phrases, participial phrases, and adverbial clauses.
The key is to identify the true subject and ignore these intervening elements when determining verb number. “The dog, which is brown and white, barks loudly.” The subject is “dog,” which is singular, and it agrees with the singular verb “barks.” The clause “which is brown and white” is descriptive and does not affect the main subject-verb agreement.
Another example: “The decisions made by the committee, despite considerable debate, were ultimately unanimous.” The subject is “decisions,” which is plural, and it correctly agrees with the plural verb “were.” The phrases “made by the committee” and “despite considerable debate” are subordinate and do not alter the subject-verb relationship.
Practicing the skill of isolating the subject and verb will significantly improve your accuracy with these more complex sentence structures.
“Each” and “Every”
When “each” or “every” precedes two or more singular subjects joined by “and,” the subjects are treated as singular. This is because “each” and “every” emphasize individual items.
For example, “Each student and each teacher has a responsibility.” Even though “student” and “teacher” are joined by “and,” the presence of “each” before both makes them individually singular, requiring the singular verb “has.”
This rule applies even if one or both of the subjects are plural. “Every car and every truck needs regular maintenance.” The singular verb “needs” is correct because “every” focuses on each item individually.
The phrase “each of the…” also takes a singular verb. “Each of the players is ready.” The singular pronoun “each” is the subject, not the plural noun in the prepositional phrase.
Subjunctive Mood
The subjunctive mood is used to express wishes, hypothetical situations, commands, or suggestions. In the subjunctive mood, the verb form often differs from the indicative mood, particularly in the past tense.
For hypothetical situations, the verb “were” is used for all subjects, regardless of number. “If I were you, I would accept the offer.” Here, “I” is singular, but “were” is used. This is a common subjunctive construction that differs from standard agreement.
Another common use is in “that” clauses following verbs of demand, recommendation, or necessity, such as “suggest,” “recommend,” “demand,” “insist,” or “require.” In these cases, the base form of the verb (the infinitive without “to”) is used, regardless of the subject’s number.
“The committee recommends that the proposal be approved.” The subject of the subordinate clause is “proposal,” which is singular, but the subjunctive “be approved” is used. “The doctor insisted that he rest.” The singular subject “he” is followed by the base verb “rest.”
Mastering the subjunctive mood requires understanding its specific grammatical conventions, which often override standard subject-verb agreement rules.
Nouns Ending in “-ics”
Nouns ending in “-ics,” such as “politics,” “ethics,” “statistics,” “acoustics,” and “athletics,” can be either singular or plural depending on their meaning and context.
When these nouns refer to a field of study, a science, or a discipline, they are treated as singular and take a singular verb. “Physics is a fundamental science.” “Politics has always been a complex field.”
However, when these nouns refer to the qualities, characteristics, or practices associated with the discipline, they are treated as plural and take a plural verb. “His politics are liberal.” Here, “politics” refers to his political views or actions, not the academic study. “The acoustics in the concert hall are excellent.” This refers to the sound qualities, not the scientific study of sound.
Context is paramount when dealing with these “-ics” nouns. Differentiating between the academic discipline and the practical application will guide your verb choice.
“One of…” and “The only one of…”
The phrase “one of the…” followed by a plural noun requires a singular verb. The subject is “one,” which is singular, and it is modified by the prepositional phrase “of the…”
For example, “One of the reasons for his success is his dedication.” The singular subject “one” takes the singular verb “is.” “She is one of the few people who believe in him.” Here, “one” is the singular subject, correctly paired with “is.”
Conversely, the phrase “the only one of…” also takes a singular verb, but the emphasis is on the uniqueness of that one item or person within the group.
This construction reinforces the singular nature of “one” as the primary subject, even when referring to a larger, plural group.
Phrases with “Along with,” “As well as,” and “In addition to”
Phrases introduced by “along with,” “as well as,” “in addition to,” “together with,” or “accompanied by” do not change the number of the subject. These phrases function similarly to non-essential clauses and do not make a singular subject plural.
The verb should agree with the main subject that precedes these phrases. “The manager, along with his employees, is attending the conference.” The singular subject “manager” dictates the singular verb “is.” “The book, as well as the accompanying study guide, was expensive.” The singular subject “book” requires the singular verb “was.”
It is crucial to recognize these phrases as parenthetical or additional information rather than as part of a compound subject. Their presence should not mislead you into using a plural verb when the true subject is singular.
Quantifiers and Expressions of Quantity
Expressions of quantity, such as “a lot of,” “a number of,” “plenty of,” and “some of,” require careful attention to the noun that follows them. The verb agrees with the noun that the quantity refers to.
If the noun is singular, the verb is singular. “A lot of the research is inconclusive.” “Research” is singular, so “is” is used. “A number of the issues remains unresolved.” “Issues” is plural, so “remains” is incorrect; it should be “remain.”
If the noun is plural, the verb is plural. “A number of employees have requested time off.” “Employees” is plural, so “have” is used. “Some of the students are struggling with the assignment.” “Students” is plural, so “are” is used.
The phrase “a number of” is always plural, whereas “the number of” is always singular. “The number of participants has increased.” Here, “number” is the singular subject, so “has” is correct.
Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns, also known as mass nouns, refer to things that cannot be counted individually. They are always treated as singular and take a singular verb, even if they refer to something that might seem plural in concept.
Examples include “water,” “air,” “information,” “advice,” “furniture,” “luggage,” “progress,” and “happiness.” “The furniture in the room is new.” “Furniture” is uncountable and singular, so “is” is correct. “Your advice is very helpful.” “Advice” is uncountable and singular.
Be cautious with nouns that can be either countable or uncountable. For instance, “hair” can be uncountable (referring to all the hair on someone’s head) or countable (referring to individual strands). “Her hair is long” (uncountable, singular verb). “Several hairs were in the sink” (countable, plural verb).
Always consider whether the noun in question is being used as a countable or uncountable entity to ensure correct verb agreement.
Titles of Works
Titles of books, movies, songs, plays, and other creative works are always treated as singular, regardless of whether the words within the title appear plural.
For example, “The Grapes of Wrath is a powerful novel.” The title “The Grapes of Wrath” is considered a single entity, thus taking the singular verb “is.” “Star Wars is a popular film franchise.” The title is singular.
This rule applies even if the title itself contains plural nouns or verbs. The work itself is a singular concept. “To Kill a Mockingbird explores complex themes.” The title is singular.
Treating titles as singular entities maintains grammatical consistency and avoids confusion.
Subjects That Are Clauses
A clause used as a subject is always singular. This includes infinitive clauses (e.g., “To err is human”) and gerund clauses (e.g., “Swimming is good exercise”).
“What they said is not true.” The entire clause “What they said” functions as the singular subject, requiring the singular verb “is.” “Running a marathon requires endurance.” The gerund phrase “Running a marathon” is the singular subject, taking the singular verb “requires.”
When a clause acts as the subject, it is treated as a single, unified idea, hence the singular verb agreement.
Common Tricky Pairs
Certain pairs of words can be particularly challenging for subject-verb agreement. One such pair is “less” and “fewer.” “Less” is used for uncountable nouns, while “fewer” is used for countable nouns.
“There are fewer than ten people in the room.” “People” is countable, so “fewer” is correct. “There is less water in the bottle.” “Water” is uncountable, so “less” is correct. This distinction is crucial for accurate expression.
Another common point of confusion arises with “amount” and “number.” “Amount” is used for uncountable nouns, and “number” is used for countable nouns. “The amount of sugar in this cake is too high.” “Sugar” is uncountable. “The number of students who passed is impressive.” “Students” are countable.
Mastering these distinctions ensures precision in both written and spoken language.
Agreement with “The” Plus Adjective
When “the” is followed by an adjective, it creates a plural noun phrase referring to a group of people or things. This construction always takes a plural verb.
“The rich need to pay higher taxes.” Here, “The rich” refers to rich people collectively and is plural, requiring the plural verb “need.” “The poor are often overlooked.” “The poor” refers to poor people and is plural, taking the plural verb “are.”
This pattern applies to adjectives describing any group. “The elderly deserve respect.” “The elderly” refers to elderly people and takes a plural verb.
This rule is a specific instance of how descriptive language can form plural subjects, demanding appropriate verb agreement.
Double Negatives
While not strictly a subject-verb agreement issue, double negatives can create confusion and affect clarity. In standard English, two negatives in a sentence often cancel each other out or create an unintended meaning.
For example, “I don’t have no money” technically means “I have money.” The correct way to express the intended meaning is “I don’t have any money” or “I have no money.”
Avoiding double negatives is essential for clear and grammatically sound communication. Focus on using one negative to convey the intended meaning.
Agreement with Pronouns Ending in “-body,” “-one,” or “-thing”
Pronouns such as “somebody,” “anyone,” “nobody,” “everybody,” “something,” “anything,” “nothing,” and “everything” are always singular. They require singular verbs.
“Someone has left the door open.” The singular pronoun “someone” takes the singular verb “has.” “Everything is ready for the party.” “Everything” is singular, so “is” is used.
This is a subset of the indefinite pronoun rules but warrants specific attention due to the commonality of these pronouns.
Agreement with “All”
“All” can be either singular or plural depending on whether it refers to a singular or plural noun, or if it stands alone.
When “all” refers to a singular, uncountable noun, it takes a singular verb. “All the water has evaporated.” “Water” is uncountable, so “has” is used.
When “all” refers to a plural noun, it takes a plural verb. “All the students have arrived.” “Students” is plural, so “have” is used.
When “all” stands alone, it is generally considered plural. “All are welcome.” This implies all people in a general sense.
Sentences with “Each” or “Every”
When “each” or “every” begins a sentence, it always takes a singular verb, even if it is followed by plural nouns joined by “and” or “or.” This is because “each” and “every” emphasize individuality.
“Each of the participants is given a medal.” The singular pronoun “each” is the subject. “Every boy and girl wants to win.” The singular verb “wants” agrees with the singular emphasis of “every.”
This reinforces the idea that these determiners impose singularity on the verb, regardless of other grammatical elements present.
Agreement with Fractions and Percentages
Similar to indefinite pronouns and quantifiers, fractions and percentages require verb agreement based on the noun they modify.
If the fraction or percentage refers to a singular noun, use a singular verb. “Half of the pie is gone.” “Pie” is singular, so “is” is used. “Twenty percent of the budget was allocated to marketing.” “Budget” is singular, so “was” is used.
If the fraction or percentage refers to a plural noun, use a plural verb. “Half of the students are present.” “Students” is plural, so “are” is used. “Seventy-five percent of the voters approved the measure.” “Voters” is plural, so “approved” is used.
The noun that the fraction or percentage modifies is the key to determining the correct verb number.
“None”
The indefinite pronoun “none” can be treated as either singular or plural. Traditionally, it was considered strictly singular, meaning “not one.” However, in modern usage, it is often treated as plural when it refers to a group or quantity of things.
If “none” refers to a singular noun or is used in a context implying singularity, use a singular verb. “None of the information is correct.” “Information” is uncountable and singular. “None is so blind as he who will not see.” (Traditional usage)
If “none” refers to a plural noun or is understood to mean “not any,” use a plural verb. “None of the students are absent.” “Students” is plural. “None of the cars are working.” (Modern usage, referring to multiple cars)
Both singular and plural forms are generally accepted for “none” in contemporary English, though singular is often preferred when referring to a single entity and plural when referring to multiple entities.
“The number of” vs. “A number of”
This distinction is critical for subject-verb agreement. “The number of” is always singular and takes a singular verb, as it refers to the numerical value itself.
“The number of applicants has increased significantly.” Here, “number” is the singular subject, so “has” is the correct verb. “The number of books on the shelf is overwhelming.” “Number” is singular, requiring “is.”
Conversely, “a number of” is plural and takes a plural verb. It means “many” or “several.” “A number of people attended the event.” “People” is plural, so “attended” (though past tense, the underlying agreement is plural) or “a number of people are attending” requires a plural verb.
Understanding this difference prevents common errors related to quantity expressions.
Agreement with Appositives
Appositives are nouns or noun phrases that rename or explain another noun right beside it. They do not affect subject-verb agreement.
The verb should agree with the original subject, not the appositive. “My brother, a talented musician, plays the piano.” The subject is “brother,” which is singular, so “plays” is the correct singular verb. The appositive “a talented musician” does not change the verb.
“The president, along with the advisors, has made a decision.” Here, “president” is the singular subject, and “has” is the singular verb. The phrase “along with the advisors” is secondary.
Focus on identifying the primary subject, and the appositive will not cause agreement issues.
Sentences with Exclamations or Interjections
Exclamations and interjections, while adding emphasis, do not alter the fundamental rules of subject-verb agreement. The subject and verb of the main clause must still agree.
“Wow, the birds are singing beautifully!” The subject is “birds,” which is plural, and it correctly agrees with the plural verb “are.” “Oh, my car needs a wash.” The subject is “car,” singular, and it agrees with the singular verb “needs.”
These vocalizations are stylistic additions and do not override grammatical structure.
Agreement with “Either…or” and “Neither…nor” in Complex Structures
When “either…or” or “neither…nor” connect more complex phrases or clauses, the agreement rule remains the same: the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
“Neither the detailed report nor the accompanying charts fully explain the situation.” The subject closest to the verb “explain” is “charts,” which is plural, so the plural verb “explain” is correct. “Either the students or the instructor is responsible for the equipment.” The singular subject “instructor” is closest, requiring the singular verb “is.”
This principle extends to subjects that are themselves phrases or clauses, reinforcing the proximity rule’s importance in intricate sentences.
Pronouns like “All,” “Any,” “More,” “Most,” “None,” “Some”
These pronouns, when used as subjects, can be singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to. This is particularly relevant when they are followed by “of the…”
“Some of the water is in the cup.” “Water” is singular, so “is” is used. “Some of the cups are chipped.” “Cups” is plural, so “are” is used. “Most of the work has been completed.” “Work” is singular, so “has” is used.
Pay close attention to the noun that follows “of” to determine the correct verb number.
Agreement with “Had better,” “Would rather,” “Would sooner”
These modal phrases are followed by the base form of the verb. They express preference, necessity, or recommendation, and the subject-verb agreement is inherently handled by the structure of the phrase itself.
“You had better leave now.” “Had better” is followed by the base verb “leave.” “She would rather stay home.” “Would rather” is followed by the base verb “stay.”
These phrases do not involve typical subject-verb agreement in the sense of singular/plural verb forms but rather the consistent use of the base verb form.
Agreement with Titles of Organizations
Titles of organizations, companies, and institutions are generally treated as singular, even if the name itself appears plural or contains plural words.
“The United Nations is working towards peace.” “United Nations” is treated as a singular entity. “Procter & Gamble is a multinational corporation.” The company name is singular.
This convention treats the organization as a single unit, irrespective of the plural connotations of its name.
Agreement with “Government”
The word “government” can be treated as either singular or plural, depending on whether it refers to the governing body as a single entity or to the individuals within the government.
As a singular entity, it takes a singular verb: “The government is implementing new policies.” This refers to the administration as one unit. As a plural concept, referring to the members or branches, it takes a plural verb: “The government are divided on the issue.” This implies disagreement among individuals or factions.
Context is key to determining the appropriate verb for “government.”
Agreement with “Company”
Similar to “government,” “company” can be singular or plural. It is singular when referring to the business as a single entity.
“The company is expanding its operations.” This treats the company as a unified business. It can be plural when referring to the individuals within the company acting separately, though this usage is less common in formal writing.
The singular usage is generally preferred for clarity and consistency in business contexts.
Agreement with “Family”
The collective noun “family” follows the same pattern. It is singular when the family acts as a unit.
“My family is going on vacation.” The family is acting together. It is plural when the members of the family are acting as individuals. “My family are arguing about the movie choice.” This indicates individual disagreements within the family.
The context dictates whether the family is a cohesive unit or a collection of individuals.
Agreement with “Team”
The collective noun “team” also adheres to this principle. It is singular when the team acts as a single unit.
“The team is celebrating its victory.” The team is acting as one. It is plural when the members of the team are acting as individuals. “The team are disagreeing on the next play.” This implies individual players have different ideas.
Observing whether the team is unified or fragmented will guide the verb choice.
Agreement with “Committee”
The collective noun “committee” is singular when it functions as a single body and plural when its members are acting individually.
“The committee has submitted its report.” The committee is acting as one unit. “The committee have not yet agreed on the budget.” This suggests individual members have different opinions.
The cohesive or individualistic nature of the committee’s actions determines the verb number.
Agreement with “People”
The noun “people” is inherently plural and always takes a plural verb. It refers to a group of individuals.
“The people of this nation are resilient.” “People” is plural, so “are” is correct. “Many people believe this is a good policy.” “People” is plural, requiring a plural verb.
This is a straightforward rule, as “people” is consistently plural in modern English.
Agreement with “Police”
The noun “police” is also treated as plural, referring to the body of officers. It always takes a plural verb.
“The police are investigating the crime.” “Police” is plural, so “are” is used. “Police have released a statement.” “Police” takes a plural verb.
This is a consistent rule for this noun referring to law enforcement officers.
Agreement with “Cattle”
The noun “cattle” is a collective noun that is always plural and takes a plural verb.
“The cattle are grazing in the pasture.” “Cattle” is plural, so “are” is used. “Cattle have been a source of wealth for centuries.” “Cattle” takes a plural verb.
This is another instance of a noun that, while appearing singular in some contexts, functions grammatically as plural.
Agreement with “Scissors,” “Pants,” “Trousers,” “Glasses,” “Tongs”
These are examples of pluralia tantum nouns, which are always plural in form and meaning. They always take a plural verb.
“The scissors are sharp.” “Scissors” is plural, so “are” is used. “My pants don’t fit anymore.” “Pants” is plural, requiring a plural verb. “The glasses are on the table.” “Glasses” is plural.
These items are inherently composed of two parts or are considered as a pair, hence their plural grammatical form and verb agreement.
Agreement with “Information,” “Advice,” “Furniture,” “Luggage,” “Progress,” “Happiness”
These are all uncountable nouns, meaning they cannot be counted individually. They are always singular and take a singular verb.
“The information we received was valuable.” “Information” is singular, so “was” is used. “Her advice is always insightful.” “Advice” is singular, so “is” is used. “The furniture in the house is expensive.” “Furniture” is singular, so “is” is used.
Recognizing uncountable nouns is key to applying the singular verb rule correctly.
Agreement with “Mathematics,” “Physics,” “Economics,” “News,” “Measles,” “Mumps”
Nouns ending in “-ics” that refer to a field of study, a discipline, or a single concept are always singular and take a singular verb.
“Mathematics is a core subject.” “Mathematics” is singular, so “is” is used. “The news is surprisingly good today.” “News” is singular, so “is” is used. “Measles is a highly contagious disease.” “Measles” is singular.
These nouns, despite their plural form, represent singular academic subjects or singular conditions.
Agreement with “Each” and “Every” preceding subjects
When “each” or “every” precedes two or more subjects joined by “and,” the subjects are treated as singular. This emphasizes the individuality of each subject.
“Each boy and each girl has a book.” Even though “boy” and “girl” are joined by “and,” the presence of “each” before both makes the overall subject singular, requiring “has.” “Every car and truck requires registration.” “Requires” is the singular verb.
This rule highlights how determiners like “each” and “every” can override standard compound subject agreement.
Agreement with “Either…or” and “Neither…nor” (simple subjects)
When “either…or” or “neither…nor” connect simple subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
“Either the cat or the dogs are responsible.” “Dogs” is plural and closest, so “are” is used. “Neither the students nor the teacher is present.” “Teacher” is singular and closest, so “is” is used.
This proximity rule is fundamental for these correlative conjunctions.
Agreement with “There is” and “There are”
In sentences starting with “there is” or “there are,” the verb agrees with the noun that immediately follows it.
“There is a pen on the desk.” “Pen” is singular, so “is” is used. “There are pens on the desk.” “Pens” is plural, so “are” is used.
This structure inverts the typical subject-verb order, making the noun following the verb the grammatical subject.
Agreement with Relative Pronouns (who, which, that)
The verb following a relative pronoun agrees with the antecedent of the pronoun.
“She is the one who knows the answer.” “One” is the antecedent, which is singular, so “knows” is singular. “They are the students who understand the material.” “Students” is the antecedent, which is plural, so “understand” is plural.
Identifying the antecedent is crucial for correct agreement with relative clauses.
Agreement with Collective Nouns (acting as a unit vs. individuals)
Collective nouns take singular verbs when acting as a unit and plural verbs when acting as individuals.
“The jury has reached its verdict.” (Unit) “The jury are arguing amongst themselves.” (Individuals) “The committee is meeting today.” (Unit) “The committee have different opinions.” (Individuals)
The context of the sentence determines whether the group is perceived as a single entity or a collection of distinct members.
Agreement with Nouns ending in “-s” but singular in meaning
Nouns like “mathematics,” “physics,” and “news” are singular in meaning and take singular verbs.
“Mathematics is essential for science.” “Mathematics” is singular. “The news is broadcast daily.” “News” is singular.
Despite their plural form, these nouns represent singular concepts or fields of study.
Agreement with “Each of…” and “Every one of…”
These phrases are always followed by a singular verb because “each” and “every one” are singular subjects.
“Each of the participants has a role.” “Each” is the singular subject, requiring “has.” “Every one of the cars needs maintenance.” “Every one” is singular, requiring “needs.”
The singular pronoun “each” or “every one” takes precedence over the plural noun in the prepositional phrase.
Agreement with “None” (modern usage)
While traditionally singular, “none” is often treated as plural in modern usage, especially when referring to multiple items or people.
“None of the cookies are left.” This is common and acceptable usage. “None of the students are participating.” This also reflects modern usage.
Both singular and plural agreements for “none” are generally accepted today, though context can influence preference.
Agreement with “All” (when referring to plural nouns)
When “all” refers to a plural noun, it takes a plural verb.
“All the students are here.” “Students” is plural, so “are” is used. “All the books have been returned.” “Books” is plural, so “have” is used.
The number of the noun being referred to by “all” dictates the verb’s number.
Agreement with Subjects in Inverted Sentences
In sentences where the subject follows the verb (often in questions or with “there is/are”), the verb agrees with the subject that comes after it.
“In the box were three letters.” The subject “letters” is plural, so “were” is used. “Does the dog bark?” The subject “dog” is singular, so “does” is used.
This inversion requires careful identification of the subject to ensure correct agreement.
Agreement with Clauses as Subjects
When a clause acts as the subject of a sentence, it is always treated as singular and requires a singular verb.
“What the committee decided is confidential.” The clause “What the committee decided” is the singular subject. “To travel the world is her dream.” The infinitive clause “To travel the world” is the singular subject.
Clauses function as single conceptual units, hence their singular verb agreement.
Agreement with “Less” and “Fewer”
“Less” is used with uncountable nouns, and “fewer” is used with countable nouns.
“There is less sugar in this recipe.” “Sugar” is uncountable. “There are fewer ingredients required.” “Ingredients” are countable.
This distinction is crucial for accurately expressing quantities.
Agreement with “Amount” and “Number”
“Amount” refers to uncountable nouns, while “number” refers to countable nouns.
“The amount of rainfall was significant.” “Rainfall” is uncountable. “The number of participants exceeded expectations.” “Participants” are countable.
Using these terms correctly ensures precise grammatical agreement.
Agreement with “The” + Adjective
When “the” is followed by an adjective, it creates a plural noun phrase referring to a group, requiring a plural verb.
“The wealthy should contribute more.” “The wealthy” refers to wealthy people collectively. “The unemployed need support.” “The unemployed” refers to unemployed people.
This construction forms a plural subject that demands a plural verb.
Agreement with “Each” or “Every” preceding subjects joined by “and”
When “each” or “every” precedes subjects joined by “and,” the verb is singular because “each” and “every” emphasize individual items.
“Each man and woman has the right to vote.” The singular verb “has” is used. “Every car and every motorcycle requires a license.” “Requires” is the singular verb.
This rule emphasizes the singularizing effect of “each” and “every.”
Agreement with “Either…or” and “Neither…nor” (complex subjects)
The verb agrees with the subject closest to it, even when subjects are complex phrases or clauses.
“Neither the long explanation nor the supporting documents were sufficient.” “Documents” is plural and closest, so “were” is used. “Either the manager or the supervisors are authorized to approve this.” “Supervisors” is plural and closest, so “are” is used.
This proximity rule is vital for maintaining agreement in intricate sentence structures.
Agreement with “All,” “Any,” “More,” “Most,” “None,” “Some” (as subjects)
These pronouns can be singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to, especially when followed by “of the…”
“Some of the milk is sour.” “Milk” is singular, so “is” is used. “Some of the cartons are damaged.” “Cartons” is plural, so “are” is used.
The number of the noun modified by these pronouns determines the verb’s number.
Agreement with “Had better,” “Would rather,” “Would sooner”
These modal phrases are followed by the base form of the verb and do not involve typical singular/plural verb agreement.
“You had better be on time.” “Had better” is followed by the base verb “be.” “She would rather go than stay.” “Would rather” is followed by the base verb “go.”
The structure itself dictates the verb form, bypassing standard agreement rules.
Agreement with Titles of Organizations
Titles of organizations are generally treated as singular entities.
“The World Health Organization is a vital body.” “World Health Organization” is singular. “Microsoft is a leading technology company.” “Microsoft” is singular.
This convention views the organization as a single, unified entity.
Agreement with “Government” (singular/plural context)
“Government” is singular when referring to the entire governing body and plural when referring to individuals within it.
“The government has announced new regulations.” (Singular entity) “The government are unable to agree on a solution.” (Individuals within the government)
Context determines whether the government is acting as a single unit or as disparate individuals.
Agreement with “Company” (singular/plural context)
“Company” is singular when referring to the business as a whole and can be plural when referring to individuals within it, though singular is more common.
“The company is profitable.” (Singular entity) “The company have decided to implement changes.” (Individuals within the company, less common)
The singular usage is generally preferred for clarity and consistency.
Agreement with “Family” (singular/plural context)
“Family” is singular when acting as a unit and plural when members act individually.
“Our family celebrates holidays together.” (Unit) “My family are all different personalities.” (Individuals)
The cohesive or individualistic actions of the family members dictate the verb choice.
Agreement with “Team” (singular/plural context)
“Team” is singular when acting as a unit and plural when members act individually.
“The team is playing exceptionally well.” (Unit) “The team are arguing about the strategy.” (Individuals)
The unified or fragmented actions of the team members determine the verb agreement.
Agreement with “Committee” (singular/plural context)
“Committee” is singular when acting as a unit and plural when members act individually.
“The committee has approved the proposal.” (Unit) “The committee have been deliberating for hours.” (Individuals, implying separate actions or thoughts)
The context reveals whether the committee is a single decision-making body or a collection of individuals.
Agreement with “People”
“People” is always plural and takes a plural verb.
“The people of the city voted for change.” “People” is plural, requiring “voted.” “Many people are unaware of the new law.” “People” is plural, requiring “are.”
This noun consistently functions as plural in modern English.
Agreement with “Police”
“Police” is always plural and takes a plural verb.
“The police have apprehended the suspect.” “Police” is plural, requiring “have.” “Police are investigating the incident.” “Police” is plural, requiring “are.”
This noun consistently refers to a group and thus takes a plural verb.
Agreement with “Cattle”
“Cattle” is always plural and takes a plural verb.
“The cattle are being moved to a new pasture.” “Cattle” is plural, requiring “are.” “Cattle have always been important to agriculture.” “Cattle” is plural, requiring “have.”
This noun represents a group and is treated as plural.
Agreement with Pluralia Tantum Nouns
Nouns like “scissors,” “pants,” and “glasses” are always plural and take plural verbs.
“My new pants fit perfectly.” “Pants” is plural, requiring “fit.” “The scissors are on the counter.” “Scissors” is plural, requiring “are.”
These items are inherently plural in form and meaning.
Agreement with Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns are always singular and take singular verbs.
“The furniture in the room is antique.” “Furniture” is uncountable and singular, requiring “is.” “Your advice is invaluable.” “Advice” is uncountable and singular, requiring “is.”
Treating these nouns as singular is essential for correct grammar.
Agreement with “-ics” Nouns (as disciplines)
Nouns ending in “-ics” that refer to academic subjects or disciplines are singular and take singular verbs.
“Physics is a challenging but rewarding field.” “Physics” is singular, requiring “is.” “Economics studies how societies allocate resources.” “Economics” is singular, requiring “studies.”
Despite their form, these nouns represent singular fields of study.
Agreement with “Each” or “Every”
When “each” or “every” precedes subjects, the verb is always singular.
“Each student and teacher is expected to attend.” “Each” and “every” enforce singularity. “Every book and magazine has been cataloged.” “Has” is the singular verb.
These determiners have a singularizing effect on the verb.
Agreement with “Either…or” and “Neither…nor”
The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
“Either the team or the players are to blame.” “Players” is plural and closest, so “are” is used. “Neither the manager nor the assistant is available.” “Assistant” is singular and closest, so “is” is used.
Proximity is the guiding principle for these correlative conjunctions.
Agreement with “There is” and “There are”
The verb agrees with the noun that follows it.
“There is a solution to this problem.” “Solution” is singular, so “is” is used. “There are many factors to consider.” “Factors” is plural, so “are” is used.
The subject appears after the verb in these constructions.
Agreement with Relative Pronouns
The verb agrees with the antecedent of the relative pronoun.
“He is the kind of person who always helps.” “Person” is the singular antecedent, so “helps” is singular. “They are the employees who deserve recognition.” “Employees” is the plural antecedent, so “deserve” is plural.
Identifying the antecedent is key to correct agreement.
Agreement with Collective Nouns
Collective nouns take singular verbs when acting as a unit and plural verbs when acting as individuals.
“The orchestra performs tonight.” (Unit) “The orchestra are tuning their instruments.” (Individuals)
The context determines whether the group is acting cohesively or as separate members.
Agreement with Nouns ending in “-s” (singular meaning)
Nouns like “news” and “measles” are singular in meaning and take singular verbs.
“The news is bad.” “News” is singular, so “is” is used. “Measles is a childhood illness.” “Measles” is singular, so “is” is used.
Despite their form, these nouns represent singular concepts.
Agreement with “Each of…” and “Every one of…”
These phrases take singular verbs because “each” and “every one” are singular subjects.
“Each of the participants has completed the task.” “Each” is the singular subject. “Every one of the students has passed the exam.” “Every one” is singular.
The singular pronoun dictates the verb number.
Agreement with “None” (modern usage)
“None” can be singular or plural, often plural in modern usage.
“None of the students are late.” (Plural usage) “None of the evidence is convincing.” (Singular usage)
Both are generally accepted, with plural being common for countable items.
Agreement with “All” (plural reference)
When “all” refers to a plural noun, it takes a plural verb.
“All the apples are ripe.” “Apples” is plural, so “are” is used. “All the children have gone home.” “Children” is plural, so “have” is used.
The noun being referred to determines the verb number.
Agreement in Inverted Sentences
In inverted sentences, the verb agrees with the subject that follows it.
“Here comes the bus.” “Bus” is singular, so “comes” is used. “On the table lay the keys.” “Keys” is plural, so “lay” is used.
Identifying the post-verb subject is essential for correct agreement.
Agreement with Clauses as Subjects
Clauses used as subjects are always singular.
“That he succeeded is remarkable.” The clause “That he succeeded” is singular. “What they did was unexpected.” The clause “What they did” is singular.
Clauses function as single conceptual units.
Agreement with “Less” and “Fewer”
“Less” is for uncountable nouns; “fewer” is for countable nouns.
“There is less traffic today.” “Traffic” is uncountable. “There are fewer cars on the road.” “Cars” are countable.
Correct usage ensures precise agreement.
Agreement with “Amount” and “Number”
“Amount” is for uncountable nouns; “number” is for countable nouns.
“The amount of flour needed is two cups.” “Flour” is uncountable. “The number of cups required is two.” “Cups” are countable.
These terms guide the choice of verb based on noun countability.
Agreement with “The” + Adjective
“The” + adjective creates a plural noun phrase requiring a plural verb.
“The brave deserve recognition.” “The brave” refers to brave people. “The injured were taken to the hospital.” “The injured” refers to injured people.
This construction forms a plural subject.
Agreement with “Each” or “Every” preceding subjects joined by “and”
When “each” or “every” precedes subjects joined by “and,” the verb is singular.
“Each boy and girl receives a prize.” “Receives” is singular. “Every dog and cat needs care.” “Needs” is singular.
“Each” and “every” enforce singular agreement.
Agreement with “Either…or” and “Neither…nor” (complex subjects)
The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
“Neither the students nor the teacher is ready.” “Teacher” is singular and closest, so “is” is used. “Either the manager or the supervisors are responsible.” “Supervisors” is plural and closest, so “are” is used.
Proximity dictates agreement in these structures.
Agreement with “All,” “Any,” “More,” “Most,” “None,” “Some” (as subjects)
These pronouns can be singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to.
“Some of the water is still in the jug.” “Water” is singular, so “is” is used. “Some of the jugs are empty.” “Jugs” is plural, so “are” is used.
The noun modified by the pronoun determines the verb’s number.
Agreement with “Had better,” “Would rather,” “Would sooner”
These phrases use the base form of the verb and do not involve typical singular/plural verb agreement.
“You had better be careful.” “Had better” is followed by the base verb “be.” “She would rather sing than dance.” “Would rather” is followed by the base verb “sing.”
The structure dictates the verb form, not agreement rules.
Agreement with Titles of Organizations
Organization titles are generally treated as singular.
“The Red Cross provides humanitarian aid.” “Red Cross” is singular. “Google is a global technology company.” “Google” is singular.
These are viewed as single entities.
Agreement with “Government”
“Government” is singular as a body and plural when referring to individuals.
“The government has passed a new law.” (Singular) “The government are divided on the issue.” (Plural)
Context determines singular or plural usage.
Agreement with “Company”
“Company” is singular as a business and can be plural when referring to individuals (less common).
“The company is launching a new product.” (Singular) “The company have agreed to the terms.” (Plural, less common)
Singular usage is generally preferred.
Agreement with “Family”
“Family” is singular as a unit and plural when members act individually.
“Our family vacation was wonderful.” (Unit) “My family are all very different.” (Individuals)
The context of action dictates the verb.
Agreement with “Team”
“Team” is singular as a unit and plural when members act individually.
“The team is practicing diligently.” (Unit) “The team are arguing about the play.” (Individuals)
The unified or fragmented nature of the team’s actions determines agreement.
Agreement with “Committee”
“Committee” is singular as a unit and plural when members act individually.
“The committee has made its decision.” (Unit) “The committee have failed to reach a consensus.” (Individuals)
The context reveals whether the committee is a cohesive body or divided members.
Agreement with “People”
“People” is always plural and takes a plural verb.
“The people want change.” “People” is plural, so “want” is used. “Many people agree with this policy.” “People” is plural, so “agree” is used.
This noun is consistently plural.
Agreement with “Police”
“Police” is always plural and takes a plural verb.
“The police are investigating.” “Police” is plural, so “are” is used. “Police have issued a warning.” “Police” is plural, so “have” is used.
This noun consistently functions as plural.
Agreement with “Cattle”
“Cattle” is always plural and takes a plural verb.
“The cattle are grazing peacefully.” “Cattle” is plural, so “are” is used. “Cattle have been domesticated for centuries.” “Cattle” is plural, so “have” is used.
This noun is consistently plural.
Agreement with Pluralia Tantum Nouns
Nouns like “scissors” and “pants” are always plural and take plural verbs.
“My new scissors are very sharp.” “Scissors” is plural, so “are” is used. “These pants fit well.” “Pants” is plural, so “fit” is used.
These items are inherently plural.
Agreement with Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns are always singular and take singular verbs.
“The luggage weighs a lot.” “Luggage” is uncountable and singular, so “weighs” is used. “Progress has been slow.” “Progress” is uncountable and singular, so “has” is used.
Correct agreement requires treating them as singular.
Agreement with “-ics” Nouns (as disciplines)
Nouns like “mathematics” and “physics” are singular when referring to academic fields.
“Mathematics is a fundamental subject.” “Mathematics” is singular, so “is” is used. “Physics explains the laws of nature.” “Physics” is singular, so “explains” is used.
Despite their form, they represent singular disciplines.
Agreement with “Each” or “Every”
When “each” or “every” precedes subjects, the verb is singular.
“Each car and truck needs inspection.” “Needs” is singular. “Every man and woman is accountable.” “Is” is singular.
These determiners enforce singular agreement.
Agreement with “Either…or” and “Neither…nor”
The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
“Either the students or the teacher is responsible.” “Teacher” is singular and closest, so “is” is used. “Neither the dogs nor the cats are allowed.” “Cats” is plural and closest, so “are” is used.
Proximity is the key rule.
Agreement with “There is” and “There are”
The verb agrees with the noun following it.
“There is a cat in the yard.” “Cat” is singular, so “is” is used. “There are cats in the yard.” “Cats” is plural, so “are” is used.
The subject appears after the verb.
Agreement with Relative Pronouns
The verb agrees with the antecedent of the relative pronoun.
“She is the one who has the solution.” “One” is singular, so “has” is used. “They are the people who understand.” “People” is plural, so “understand” is used.
The antecedent determines the verb number.
Agreement with Collective Nouns
Collective nouns are singular when acting as a unit and plural when acting as individuals.
“The band is playing a new song.” (Unit) “The band are arguing about the setlist.” (Individuals)
Context is crucial for correct agreement.
Agreement with Nouns ending in “-s” (singular meaning)
Nouns like “news” and “measles” are singular in meaning and take singular verbs.
“The news is not encouraging.” “News” is singular, so “is” is used. “Mumps is a viral infection.” “Mumps” is singular, so “is” is used.
Despite their form, these represent singular concepts.
Agreement with “Each of…” and “Every one of…”
These phrases take singular verbs because “each” and “every one” are singular subjects.
“Each of the participants has signed the form.” “Each” is the singular subject. “Every one of the members has paid their dues.” “Every one” is singular.
The singular pronoun governs the verb.
Agreement with “None” (modern usage)
“None” can be singular or plural, often plural in modern usage.
“None of the cars are working.” (Plural usage) “None of the food is suitable.” (Singular usage)
Both are accepted, with plural common for countable items.
Agreement with “All” (plural reference)
When “all” refers to a plural noun, it takes a plural verb.
“All the students are participating.” “Students” is plural, so “are” is used. “All the tools have been put away.” “Tools” is plural, so “have” is used.
The noun’s number dictates the verb.
Agreement in Inverted Sentences
In inverted sentences, the verb agrees with the subject that follows it.
“Here are the results.” “Results” is plural, so “are” is used. “Down the street runs the river.” “River” is singular, so “runs” is used.
Identifying the post-verb subject is key.
Agreement with Clauses as Subjects
Clauses used as subjects are always singular.
“Where they went is a mystery.” The clause is singular. “To succeed requires effort.” The infinitive clause is singular.
Clauses function as single units.
Agreement with “Less” and “Fewer”
“Less” for uncountable nouns, “fewer” for countable nouns.
“There is less milk left.” “Milk” is uncountable. “There are fewer cookies in the jar.” “Cookies” are countable.
Correct usage ensures precision.
Agreement with “Amount” and “Number”
“Amount” for uncountable nouns, “number” for countable nouns.
“The amount of effort was immense.” “Effort” is uncountable. “The number of people present was small.” “People” are countable.
These terms guide verb choice.
Agreement with “The” + Adjective
“The” + adjective forms a plural noun phrase requiring a plural verb.
“The poor need assistance.” “The poor” refers to poor people. “The rich often have many privileges.” “The rich” refers to rich people.
This construction creates a plural subject.