Subject and Verb Agreement

If the subject is singular, use a singular verb. Mia speaks quietly. If the subject is plural, use a plural verb. These bottles are almost empty. Generally, nouns ending in –s are plural (friends, girls), but verbs ending in -s are singular (likes, plays speaks).

1. he (was, were) 2. they (come, comes) 3. children (hurries, hurry) 4. teachers (does, do) 5. neighbor (says, say)

Is the Subject Plural or Singular? When the subject is connected by two or more nouns or pronouns connected by and, use a plural verb. Dan and Jake are late. Peanut butter and jelly are great together. Subjects joined by or or nor take a singular verb. After dinner, Anne or Tony loads the dishwasher.

The following pronouns are singular: each, either, neither, one, everyone, everybody, no one, nobody, anyone, anybody, someone, somebody. Everyone is wearing red. Each takes a turn leading the group. Unlike Melissa, neither Sam nor Ben likes scary movies.

The number of the subject is not changed by a phrase following the subject. A verb agrees in number with its subject, not with the object of a preposition. The sign near the glass doors (explains, explain) the exhibit. The paintings of Emilio Sanchez (was hanging, were hanging) in the gallery.

Let’s Practice! The use of cell phones and cameras (is, are) prohibited in class. Each of those desserts (look, looks) delicious! Neither of my children (like, likes) soccer. Ben or Steven (is, are) probably going to join the team. If everyone (wants, want) pizza, then we should order pizza. One of those remotes (is, are) broken. There (is, are) two ways to get to the park.