Subject-Verb Agreement

A Verb must agree with its Subject rules The subject of a sentence must agree with the verb of the sentence: A Verb must agree with its Subject in Number and Person. Being able to find the right subject and verb will help to correct errors of subject-verb agreement. Basic Rule. A singular subject takes a singular verb, whereas a plural subject takes a plural verb. She goes home this weekend.

rules Rule 1. A subject will come before a phrase beginning with of. This is a key rule for understanding subjects. The word of is the culprit in many, perhaps most, subject-verb mistakes. A man of right actions is always respected Rule 2. Two singular subjects connected by or, either/or, or neither/nor require a singular verb. Neither the two boys was willing to take the blame. Rule 3. The verb in an or, either/or, or neither/nor sentence agrees with the noun or pronoun closest to it. Neither the boy nor his friends were willing to take the blame.

rules Rule 4 . Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by such words as along with, as well as, besides, not, etc. The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly. Rule 5. Use a singular verb with distances, periods of time, sums of money, etc., when considered as a unit. Examples: Three miles is too far to walk. Five years is the maximum sentence for that offense. Ten dollars is a high price to pay.

rules Rule 6. Two nouns qualified by each or every, even though connected by and, require a singular verb; as, Every boy and every girl was given a packet of sweets. Rule 7. Some nouns which are plural in form, but singular in meaning, take a singular verb; as, The news is true. Rule 8. A Collective noun takes a singular verb when the collection is thought of as one whole; plural verb when the individuals of which it is composed are thought of; as, The Committee has issued its report. The Committee are divided on one minor point.

EXERCISE 1. Not one of the children were willing to lose their chance. 2. Everyone were shocked when they heard the news. 3. Silver, as well as cotton, have fallen in price. 4. The committee have decided to meet again on Saturday. 5. One of his many good traits that come to my mind are his modesty. 6. 90% of all wastewater still go untreated into local rivers and streams in the developing world. 7. Taking their baskets, the women goes to the seashore to collect shells. 8. The import of various technologies at high-priced costs have the disadvantage of widening the gap between the rich and the poor. 9. Either the legislation or the state constitutions determines the court structures and judicial appointments. 10. Each of the Chief Ministers of the states were present in the meeting.

KEY TO EXERCISE 1. Not one of the children was willing to lose their chance. 2. Everyone was shocked when they heard the news. 3. Silver, as well as cotton, has fallen in price. 4. The committee has decided to meet again on Saturday. 5. One of his many good traits that come to my mind is his modesty. 6. 90% of all wastewater still goes untreated into local rivers and streams in the developing world. 7. Taking their baskets, the women go to the seashore to collect shells. 8. The import of various technologies at high-priced costs has the disadvantage of widening the gap between the rich and the poor. 9. Either the legislation or the state constitutions determine the court structures and judicial appointments. 10. Each of the Chief Ministers of the states was present in the meeting.