FlashKeepers

Grammar · K-12

Subject-Verb Agreement Rules

Core subject-verb agreement rules, including tricky cases like collective nouns and indefinite pronouns.

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When a subject is singular, what verb form do you use?
Use the singular form of the verb (example: The cat runs).
When a subject is plural, what verb form do you use?
Use the plural form of the verb (example: The cats run).
When two subjects are joined by 'and', what verb form do you use?
Use a plural verb (example: She and I are going).
When two subjects are joined by 'or', which one determines the verb form?
The subject closer to the verb determines the form (example: Either a cat or dogs are here).
When two subjects are joined by 'nor', which one determines the verb form?
The subject closer to the verb determines the form (example: Neither the coach nor the players were ready).
Does a collective noun like 'team' take a singular or plural verb?
Usually singular when the group acts as one unit (example: The team is winning). Use plural if the emphasis is on individual members.
Is 'everyone' a singular or plural pronoun?
Singular. Use a singular verb (example: Everyone is invited).
Is 'anybody' a singular or plural pronoun?
Singular. Use a singular verb (example: Anybody has the right to speak).
Is 'somebody' a singular or plural pronoun?
Singular. Use a singular verb (example: Somebody was here).
Is 'nobody' a singular or plural pronoun?
Singular. Use a singular verb (example: Nobody knows the answer).
Is 'each' a singular or plural pronoun?
Singular. Use a singular verb (example: Each of the students has a book).
Is 'either' a singular or plural pronoun?
Singular. Use a singular verb (example: Either one is correct).
Is 'neither' a singular or plural pronoun?
Singular. Use a singular verb (example: Neither of them was involved).
What is the rule for verb agreement with 'both...and'?
Use a plural verb because both...and always refers to two or more items acting together (example: Both the teacher and the student were satisfied).
What verb form does 'all' take?
It depends on the noun that follows: all can be singular or plural. 'All of the cake is gone' (singular) vs. 'All of the students are here' (plural).

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