Rule 1: A verb must match its subject in number and person.
- Example: The cat runs fast.
Rule 2: Avoid the
error of making the verb agree with a noun that is not the subject.
- Example: The bouquet of flowers smells
lovely.
Rule 3: Two
singular subjects connected by ‘and’ need a plural verb.
- Example: The pen and pencil are on the
table.
- Exception: If the two subjects represent one idea,
the verb is singular.
- Exception Example:
Peanut butter and jelly is a classic sandwich combo.
Rule 4: Singular
subjects joined by ‘or’ or ‘nor’ take a singular verb.
- Example: Neither the car nor the bike is
available.
- Exception: If one of the subjects is plural, the
verb should be plural.
- Exception Example:
Neither the teacher nor the students are in the classroom.
Rule 5: When
subjects of different persons are joined by ‘or’ or ‘nor’, the verb agrees with
the nearer subject.
- Example: Either my brother or I am going
to the store.
- Exception: It’s better to rephrase to avoid
confusion.
- Exception Example: My
brother is going to the store, or I am.
Rule 6: Words
like ‘either’, ‘neither’, ‘each’, ‘everyone’, ‘many a’ require a singular verb.
- Example: Each of the dogs has a toy.
- Exception: None.
- Exception Example: N/A
Rule 7: ‘Each’ or
‘every’ before two nouns joined by ‘and’ requires a singular verb.
- Example: Every cat and every dog was
given a treat.
Rule 8: Some
nouns that are plural in form but singular in meaning take a singular verb.
- Example: Mathematics is my favorite
subject.
Rule 9: ‘Pains’
and ‘means’ can take either singular or plural verbs, but be consistent.
- Example: Great pains has been taken.
- Exception: ‘Means’ as income always takes a plural
verb.
- Exception Example: His
means are sufficient.
Rule 10: Some
nouns singular in form but plural in meaning take a plural verb.
- Example: Twelve dozen cost a lot.
Rule 11: ‘None’
can take either a singular or plural verb, but it’s commonly plural.
- Example: None of the options were
suitable.
Rule 12: A
collective noun takes a singular verb when seen as a whole, plural when
individuals are considered.
- Example: The committee has reached a
decision.
- Exception: When focusing on individual members,
use a plural verb.
- Exception Example: The
committee are having a debate.
Rule 13: Plural
proper names for a single object or unit take a singular verb.
- Example: “The Avengers” is a popular
movie.
Rule 14: A plural
noun for a specific quantity or amount as a whole takes a singular verb.
- Example: Ten dollars is the price of
admission.
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