Subject-Verb Agreement
- The subject of a sentence must always agree with its verb in number. If the subject is singular, then the verb must be singular. Similarly, a plural subject takes a plural verb.
- Examples:
- The boy goes to bed early.
- Boy, which is the subject of this sentence, is singular, so we must use a singular verb.
- The boys go to bed early.
- Here we have a plural subject, boys, and so the plural verb must be used.
- The boy goes to bed early.
Collective Nouns
- When a subject is a collective noun we must find out whether it is regarded as a unit or as several things.
- Examples:
- The class was warned not to throw stones.
- Here, the class is considered as a unit, so a singular verb must be used.
- All the classes were warned not to throw stones.
- Because classes is plural, a plural verb must be used.
- The council is to meet next Thursday.
- Because council refers to one body a singular verb is used.
- The council are unable to agree.
- Because the various members who make up the council are unable to agree we use the plural verb.
- The class was warned not to throw stones.
Sums and Quantities
- Words representing sums of money or quantities such as length, weights, etc. are considered as units, and take singular verbs.
- Examples:
- Twenty cents was all I had.
- Six months is a long time to wait.
- Some nouns which appear to be plural because they end with –s are really singular.
- Examples:
- Measles is an infectious disease.
- The news was better last night.
Subject with Two Nouns
- When the subject consists of two (or more) nouns joined by and, a plural verb is used.
- Example:
- Health and happiness are priceless.
- But if the two nouns are considered as one thing then the singular verb is used.
- Example:
- Bread and butter is often eaten at breakfast.
Or and Nor
- If the subject consists of two singular nouns joined by or or nor the singular verb is required.
- Examples:
- Either the boy or his sister is mistaken.
- Neither Amy nor Jo was at the party last night.
- If, however, the nouns joined by or or nor are plural, they take a plural verb.
- Examples:
- Either the boys or their sisters are mistaken.
- Neither the Browns nor the Smiths were at the party.
Pronouns and Verbs
- Most mistakes in Subject and Verb Agreement are made when the subject is a pronoun.
- Examples:
He – She – It | I | We – You – They |
is was does has | am was do have | are were do have |
- These rules apply when not (n’t) is combined with these verbs.
is not isn’t | are not aren’t | was not wasn’t | were not weren’t |
does not doesn’t | do not don’t | has not hasn’t | have not haven’t |