When it comes to subject-verb agreement, there is one golden rule: a singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. But how can one find the subject of a verb? And how can one determine if it is singular or plural? In most cases, this is relatively simple. Consider the examples below:
(X) My parents lives in Boston.
(X) My sister live in New York.
However, there are a number of factors that can make spotting errors in subject-verb agreement more difficult, and these rules will help you avoid errors in those situations.
Compound Subjects
A compound subject is a subject that includes multiple parts connected by the word and. It should be treated as plural. The same rule applies to both… and constructions.
(X) Don Quixote and his assistant Sancho was chivalrous knights.
(X) My friend and I am aware of the problem.
(X) Both China and Japan has agreed to reduce carbon emissions.
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to groups. Although these groups may be composed of many individuals, they are treated as singular.
(X) The class were confused about the homework.
(X) The government are using censorship to suppress protesters.
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns that end in -one (anyone, someone, etc.) and -body (somebody, nobody, etc) are always singular.
(X) Under the constitution, everyone are equal.
(X) Everybody that I know like chicken.
Some indefinite pronouns (few, many, others, several, etc.) are always plural.
(X) While many prefers dogs, others prefers cats.
(X) Few people wants to live in a purely capitalistic society.
Some indefinite pronouns (some, most, all, none, any, much, more, etc.) can be singular or plural. Use context clues to decide the appropriate number.
(X) Some (of the respondents) believes in ghosts.
(X) Some (of the homework) were difficult.
(X) None (of the candidates) is good.
(X) None (of the building’s original foundation) remain.
Either & Neither
While either and neither are indefinite pronouns, the rules governing them deserve special mention. In most cases, these words are treated as singular.
(X) Neither of the students understand the test.
(X) Either of the books are fine.
One exception is constructions that follow the pattern either… or and neither… nor. The number of these constructions depends on the number of the noun that is nearest to the main verb.
(X) Neither his brother nor his friends is very smart.
(X) Neither his friends nor his brother are very smart.
When The Subject Isn’t Next To The Verb
Sometimes the subject of a sentence will not appear close to the verb, which can make it difficult to locate. One tip is to eliminate all nonessential phrases and clauses to help you spot the real subject. Also keep in mind that a prepositional phrase cannot be the subject of a clause.
(X) Thomas Jefferson’s contributions to the Declaration of Independence, which was published on July 4, 1776, was significant.
(X) Thomas Jefferson, who eloquently defended the colonies’ right to independence despite owning several slaves himself, are viewed by some as a hypocrite.
Gerund Subjects
A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun. A gerund should be treated as singular.
(O) Playing guitar is not as easy as it looks.
(X) Interfering with elections to disenfranchise poor voters are illegal.
(O) Learning from one’s mistakes and overcoming adversity are important qualities for a leader.
Infinitive Subjects
An infinitive is the root form of a verb preceded by the preposition to. An infinitive should be treated as singular.
(X) To disrespect one’s elders are rude.
(X) To lie to the public were considered an impeachable offense.
Entire Clauses As Subjects
Sometimes an entire clause can serve as the subject of another clause. As a subject, a clause should be treated as singular.
(X) Which candidate she prefers are a secret.
(X) That dinosaurs had feathers are accepted by most paleontologists.
When The Subject Doesn’t Come Before The Verb
Although a subject usually comes before a verb, sometimes it comes after. One tip to keep in mind is that a prepositional phrase cannot be the subject of a verb.
(X) Before her eyes spreads miles of desert.
(X) In the farthest reaches of our solar system is numerous planet-like objects.
There Constructions
One specific instance of a subject occuring after a verb that is so common it deserves special mention is there constructions. With a there construction, look after the verb to determine the number. The same is true of where constructions.
(X) There is several factors that must be considered.
(X) There are a solution.
(X) Where is Laos and Cambodia located?
Irregular Nouns
Some nouns look plural but are actually singular. Other nouns look singular but are actually plural.
(X) Mathematics are a difficult subject.
(X) The news are good.
(X) The data is reliable.
(X) A million dollars are too expensive for a two-bedroom apartment.
Subject-Verb Agreement Practice 1
Determine the subject of each underlined verb. If there is no error in agreement, mark it (O). If there is an error in agreement, mark it (X) and correct the verb.
- Everyone is entitled to an opinion.
- In the famous myth, Icarus, after making wings out of wax, flies too close to the sun and dies.
- Swimming in heated pools is very common in this part of the country in the winter.
- Although many nations were upset by Russia’s forceful annexation of the Crimea, none was powerful enough to stop it.
- The large companies in our area have become a cheap source of labor.
- The government of Australia are encouraging people to cut back on energy use.
- According to a recent survey by the Pew Institute, ethics are the most important subject in public discourse.
- In addition to nutrition and exercise, the amount of hours that people sleep have a major impact on health.
- Thomas, like his older sisters Jane and Eliza, was interested in music from an early age.
- Whether to accept the high taxes on everyday items, such as tea, stamps, and sugar, or rebel and throw off the yoke of the crown were debated in the American Colonies.
- Much of the machinery on these farms are unusable.
- According to the information on this page, items bought before 1940 costs more than items made after that year.
- Common knowledge to anyone who studies science, the earth rotates on its own axis once every twenty-four hours.
- Far from being a poor city with little diversity, New Orleans certainly rank as one of the most interesting spots in the United States.
- What were the impetus behind tonight’s meeting with members of the committee?
- Unlike similar kinds of pets such as neon tetras, the guppy needs very little food and attention to survive.
- Despite the bad weather we have had in the past days, there is no doubt that the tournament will go on.
- Some of the books on the table belongs to me.
- That Shakespeare was one of the most talented writers was an understatement to those who are really familiar with the field of literature.
- Without the new taxes, houses built before World War II have lower costs than more modern homes do.
- Some of this book were not very entertaining.
- Neither the teacher nor the students want to use this book again.
- Neither the students nor the teacher care about what happens on this trip.
- Never have the weather been so bad in the months of June and July.
- As most sports magazines can attest, playing sports such as tennis and basketball improve not only mental ability but also physical strength.
- Of all the grammar points I have studied in my seven years of English, the most recent unit interests me the most for a variety of reasons.
- Of all the countries in that area of the world, perhaps Nigeria have the most potential.
- According to the police, the suspected killer of the boys in both cities are probably between the ages of 40 and 50.
- Even China, which is widely regarded as the origin of the COVID-19 outbreak, have tried to portray the virus as a forein phenomenon.
- Around the globe, discrimination against migrant workers and refugees are on the rise.
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