Subject Verb Agreement

The Basics…  Verb must agree with its subject in number. The books (was / were) of great help in writing the research paper. The digital clock (keeps / keep) excellent time.

Special cases  When two or more subjects are joined by the word AND – use a plural verb Jess and Jenn (is/are) grading papers.

Special cases…  When two or more singular subjects are joined by or or nor – use the singular verb Neither Jared nor Chris (want / wants) ice cream.  When two or more plural subjects are joined by or or nor – use the plural verb Neither the girls or the boys (want / wants) homework over Spring Break.

Even MORE special rules…  When one part of a compound subject is singular, and the other part is plural – use the verb that agrees with the closer subject. Neither Mrs. Robinson nor the students (want / wants) to lose Spring Break due to snow.