BASIC RULE:
SUBJECT –
• Singular subjects must
VERB have singular verbs.
AGREEMENT Plural subjects take
plural verbs.
1. The pronoun “YOU”
RULES ON always takes a plural verb.
SUBJECT- Examples:
VERB You were invited to come.
You are asked to clean the room.
AGREEMENT You sing so well.
2. If a sentence begins with HERE 3. If two subjects, one single and one
or THERE, the verb agrees with the plural, are connected by EITHER/OR
subject which follows it. or NEITHER/NOR, the verb agrees
with the nearer subject.
Examples:
Examples:
Here are the ways on how to
preserve meat. Neither the players nor the coach
is joining.
There is a huge gap between the
rich and the poor. Either the conductor or the
singers are attending the concert.
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4. A singular subject followed by
intervening words or phrases such as 5. Singular subjects joined by AND
WITH, AS WELL AS, IN ADDITION TO, require a plural verb, except when
ACCOMPANIED BY, TOGETHER WITH and they mean one thing.
NO LESS THAN, takes a singular verb.
Examples: Examples:
Jake, accompanied by his sisters, Larry and Mercy are reading
is enrolling in the course. novels.
Daddy, as well as my brothers, is Haris & Associates is here.
enjoying the party.
6. Two singular subjects joined by 7. If a singular subject is followed by
EITHER/OR or NEITHER/NOR take a a phrase containing a plural noun, the
singular verb. verb is singular.
Examples: Examples:
Either Mommy or Daddy is One of the boys is yelling so loud.
coming with me at the outbound. One of the members is against the
Neither Ferdie nor Dulce is rule.
waiting for you.
9. The indefinite pronouns SOME,
8. The indefinite pronouns SEVERAL,
MOST, ALL, NONE are singular or
FEW, BOTH, MANY , OTHERS are
plural according to the meaning of
always plural.
the sentence.
Examples: Examples:
Both were asking to be freed. Some of the girls were absent.
Several are seeking justice. Some of the ice cream is left.
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10. When any of the following indefinite pronouns is
the subject, the verb is singular: EVERYBODY, EACH, 11. Expressions of time, money, weight,
NO ONE, ANOTHER, ANYBODY, NOBODY, EVERY, and distance are singular even if the form
NOTHING, EVERYTHING, ANYONE, EITHER, NEITHER, is plural.
EVERYONE, SOMEBODY, SOMEONE.
Example: Examples:
Every man and woman in this hall Two years is a long time to wait.
is a member. Three millions ringgit was given
back to the owner.
13. The following words are always
12. When the amount of money refers to plural: PANTS, TROUSERS, PLIERS,
separate units, the verb is plural. SCISSORS, SHEARS, TONGS. However, if
the word PAIR is used, the verb is singular.
Examples: Examples:
Five 50‐cent coins were found. The pants are torn into two.
Sixty 100‐dollar bills were added The pair of scissors was placed on
to the budget. the table.
15. When the word is preceded by A,
14. Certain nouns, though plural
it takes a plural verb. When it is
in form, are singular in meaning
preceded by THE, it takes a singular
and therefore take singular verbs. verb.
Examples: Examples:
Mathematics is my favourite A number of students are waiting
subject. outside.
The latest news is alarming to the The number of students outside is
public. not recorded yet.
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17. These nouns may be singular or plural in meaning:
16. When fractions are used, the ATHLETICS, GENETICS, POLITICS, GYMNASTICS,
STATISTICS. When the noun refers to an organized
verb agrees with the object of the activity, it is singular; when the noun refers to the
OF PHRASE. activities of individuals within a group, or to varied
activities, it is plural.
Examples: Examples:
One half of the cake was
Gymnastics is very popular among
consumed.
girls.
A fourth/A quarter of the
The gymnastics shown in the field
employees were attending the
today were outstanding.
seminar.
18. The name of a country 19. Adjectives used as
is always regarded as nouns are considered
singular. plural.
Examples: Examples:
The Bahamas has beautiful The poor are to be helped.
beaches. The efficient are what this country
Philippines is a wondrous place. needs.
20.Collective nouns may be singular or plural 22. Titles of books, plays, articles,
depending on whether the individual members movies, etc. are regarded as
are acting individually or collectively. These
nouns are: COMPANY, GROUP, COMMITTEE, singular even though words in the
CROWD, JURY, FLOCK, TEAM. title may be plural.
Examples: Examples:
The committee is against the plan. “In Dreams Begin Responsibilities”
(acting collectively‐singular) is a story by D. Schwartz.
The committee are of different
“Great Expectations” is a must‐
opinion. (acting individually‐
plural) read novel.
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23. Names of organizations take a
24. If a sentence begins with the expletive
singular verb when the whole
IT, the verb is always singular even if the
organization is referred to, and a plural
subject that follows the verb is plural.
verb when the members are referred to.
Examples: Examples:
Lopez & Sons is a successful It is the schools which must
organization. assume the responsibility.
Lopez and Sons are holding a two‐ It is us who must take care of the
day annual meeting. environment.
