Subject Verb Agreement/ Concord
1.
Basic Rule: Singular subject takes singular verb; plural subject takes plural
verb.
- She writes every day.
- They write every day.
2.
When two singular nouns are joined by "and", use a plural verb.
- Rita and Sam are friends.
3.
When two singular nouns are joined by "or" or "nor", use a
singular verb.
- Either the teacher or the student is
responsible.
4.
When one subject is singular and the other plural joined by "or" or
"nor", verb agrees with the nearer subject.
- Either the students or the teacher is wrong.
- Either the teacher or the students are wrong.
5.
Collective nouns (team, family, group) take singular or plural verb based on
meaning.
- The team is winning. (considered as one unit)
- The team are arguing among themselves. (individual members)
6.
Uncountable nouns always take singular verbs.
- The information is useful.
7.
Subjects joined by "as well as", "along with",
"together with" take the verb that agrees with the first subject.
- The manager, as well as the employees, is
present.
- The employees, along with the manager, are
present.
8.
Titles of books, movies, or organizations take singular verbs even if plural in
form.
- The United Nations is meeting today.
- Harry Potter is a popular book.
9.
Words like "each", "every", "either",
"neither" take singular verbs.
- Each of the students is present.
- Neither of the options seems correct.
10.
With fractions and percentages, verb depends on the noun after "of".
- Half of the cake is gone. (cake = singular)
- Half of the cookies are gone. (cookies = plural)
11.
"None" can take singular or plural verb depending on meaning.
- None of the money is missing. (money = singular)
- None of the students are absent.
12.
Subjects with "some", "all", "most" depend on the
object following "of".
- Some of the water is contaminated.
- Some of the books are missing.
13.
When a sentence begins with "here" or "there", the subject
follows the verb.
- There is a problem.
- There are many problems.
14.
With "plural" subjects joined by "with", "as well
as", the verb agrees with the main subject.
- The teacher, along with the students, is
excited.
15.
When the subject is an infinitive phrase or gerund phrase, verb is singular.
- To read is important.
- Swimming helps you stay fit.
16.
Words like "mathematics", "physics", "news" are singular.
- Mathematics is my favorite subject.
- The news is interesting today.
17.
When the subject is a compound subject joined by "not only... but
also", verb agrees with the second subject.
- Not only the teacher but also the students are
excited.
18.
With "plural" subjects joined by "either... or",
"neither... nor", verb agrees with nearer subject.
- Neither the students nor the teacher is here.
- Neither the teacher nor the students are here.
19.
Words ending in "s" but singular in meaning take singular verb (news,
measles).
- The news is shocking.
- Measles is a contagious disease.
20.
When subjects are modified by "together with", "as well
as", "in addition to", the verb agrees with the main subject.
- The president, together with his advisors, is
attending the meeting.
21.
Names of diseases are singular.
- Diabetes is increasing globally.
22.
When indefinite pronouns are the subject, the verb is usually singular.
- Everyone is invited.
- Somebody has left their phone.
23.
When two subjects joined by "and" refer to the same person or thing,
use singular verb.
- My friend and mentor is here. (same person)
24.
Plural nouns that are singular in meaning take singular verb (economics,
physics).
- Economics is a tough subject.
25.
When subjects are titles or names of works, take singular verb.
- The Lord of the Rings is a classic.
26.
Expressions of time, money, distance usually take singular verb.
- Ten dollars is enough.
- Five kilometers is a long distance.
27.
Plural form subjects preceded by "the number of" take singular verbs.
- The number of applicants is increasing.
28.
Plural form subjects preceded by "a number of" take plural verbs.
- A number of students are absent.
29.
When the subject follows the verb (inverted sentences), verb agrees with the
subject.
- Here are the books you requested.
30.
With collective nouns when the meaning is plural, use plural verb.
- The jury are divided in their opinions.
31.
When the subject is "none", it can take singular or plural verb.
- None of the cake is left.
- None of the players are ready.
32.
When a subject is a plural noun but refers to a single entity, use singular
verb.
- The scissors is on the table. (Informally, scissors are treated as plural though.)
33.
When subjects are joined by "both... and", use plural verb.
- Both my brother and sister are doctors.
34.
With expressions like “more than one,” use singular verb.
- More than one student is absent.
35.
When a subject is followed by a phrase starting with "with",
"including", or "along with", ignore that phrase when
deciding the verb.
- The boy with the dogs is friendly.
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment