Compound Subjects
Two or more nouns joined by "and" represent a compound subject. A compound subject is plural, so they need a plural verb.For example, John and Joe run every morning.
"John and Joe" is the compound subject of this sentence, so the plural verb form "run" is used.
As is common in the English language, there is an exception to this rule. When "each" or "every" precedes the noun in a compound subject, "each" or "every" is considered a singular subject.
For example, Every Boy Scout is eligible for the scholarship.
"Every" is the subject of this sentence, so the verb form is the singular "is."
Even if the compound subject contains two nouns, if the nouns are preceded with "each" or "every," you will still use a singular verb.
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions join two nouns and they come in pairs.Correlative conjunctions include: "either...or," "neither...nor," and "not only...but also."
Nouns joined by correlative conjunctions can confuse writers when they are trying to choose whether to use a singular or plural verb form, but most of the time, the verb in the sentence has to agree with the noun that is closer to it.
For example, Neither the general nor his soldiers were prepared for the attack.
In this example, there are two nouns: generals and soldiers. Since the sentence contains the correlative conjunctions "neither...nor," you need to use the verb form that matches the noun it's closest to. In this case, the noun "were" is closest to "soldiers," so it is correct since both "soldiers" and "were" are plural forms.
The only exception is for the correlative conjunction "both...and." When two words are joined by "both...and," the subjects are treated as plural, so the verb should take the plural form.
For example, Both the sailors and their captain are looking forward to the banquet.
In this example, the sentence uses the correlative conjunction "both...and" to connect the two nouns, "sailors" and "captain," so we know we have to use a plural verb.
Interceding Phrases
Nouns introduced by phrases such as "along with" or "as well as" can separate the subject and verb. Information that comes inside these phrases is incidental--it's just extra information for the reader. It is not, however, part of the subject of the sentence and should not be considered when making the subject and verb agree.For example, Anne, along with her sorority sisters, is thinking of trying out for a reality show.
Even though the sentence includes Anne and her sorority sisters, the mention of her sorority sisters is extra, incidental information.
"Along with her sorority sisters" is the interceding phrase. Anne remains the subject of this sentence, so the verb used is "is."
In another example: The officer, as well as his union representative, poses a formidable legal threat.
Even though the sentence includes the officer and his union representative, the mention of a union representative is extra, incidental information.
"As well as his union representative" is the interceding phrase. The officer remains the subject of this sentence, so the verb used is "poses."
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns can refer to a wide variety of antecedents. An antecedent is a noun to which a pronoun refers.Some indefinite pronouns always take a singular verb.
The following indefinite pronouns take a singular verb:
Anybody
Anyone
Anything
Each
Either
Every
Everybody
Everyone
Everything
Neither
Nobody
No one
Nothing
One
Somebody
Someone
For example, Everything seems more difficult when you have a toothache.
In this example, the word "everything" gathers all things into one singular subject. As a result, the verb form should be singular. Here, "seems" is the singular verb.
Some indefinite pronouns always take a plural verb.
The following indefinite pronouns take a plural verb:
Both
Few
Many
Others
Several
Some indefinite pronouns can take a singular verb or a plural verb, depending on their use.
For example, Not all politicians are dishonest, of course, but several have been involved in scandals lately.
In this example, "several" refers to more than one individual person, place, or thing. "Several," therefore, requires a plural verb form. Here, the verb is "have been involved."
The following indefinite pronouns can take a singular verb or a plural verb, depending on their use.
All
Any
Most
None
Some
For example, Some of the flour has spilled.
In this example, "some is the subject. Because its antecedent is "flour," which is a non-count noun, it takes a singular verb form as non-count nouns do. Ignore "of the" when deciding whether to use a singular or plural verb form. Whether the sentence includes "of the" or leaves it out makes no difference.
Tricky Nouns
Tricky nouns include collective nouns, currency, and nouns that end in an -s but take a singular verb.First, let's look at collective nouns. Collective nouns refer to a group operating as a single unit. They take a singular verb.
For example, The jury votes unanimously to convict.
The jury's unanimous vote suggests it is acting together as a single unit. As such, it merits a singular verb.
But what if the jury does not vote unanimously, implying they are not acting as a single unit? In this case, the jury's divided vote requires a plural verb.
For example, The jury was divided on the defendant's sentence.
Next, let's look at how references to currency can cause some difficulty when deciding which verb form to use.
The word dollars, for instance, can take either a singular verb (when referring to an amount) or a plural verb (when referring to the currency).
For example, Most people think $30 is a lot to pay for a box of fudge.
In this example, $30 is the currency amount and is the subject and is singular, so it takes "is" as the singular verb.
In another example: Dollars are actually favored over dinars in many European countries.
In this example, "dollars" is the currency name and is the subject and is plural, so it takes "are" as the plural verb.
Finally, let's look at certain nouns that end in -s but take a singular verb and some nouns that are made up of two parts and take a plural verb.
Here's an example of a noun that ends in -s but takes a singular verb: Politics attracts many people with law degrees.
In this example, "politics" represents one thing; therefore, it takes a singular verb.
Here's an example of a noun made up of two parts that take a plural verb: The scissors were expensive.
In this example, "scissors" are one item made of a pair of cutting edges. Since it is a pair, it is plural and needs a plural verb.
When Subjects Follow the Verbs
When subjects follow the verb, choosing the correct verb form can be tricky. Some sentences begin with the words "there are," "there is," "it is," "here is," or "here are."These types of phrases are called expletives because they vouch for the existence of the items discussed in the rest of the sentence.
The verb choice in such sentences depends on the noun the expletive references. If it is singular, the verb will be singular. If the noun is plural, the verb will be plural.
For example, there is a problem with the engine
In this example, "there is" is the expletive that refers to the noun "problem."
Since "problem" is singular, the verb used is also singular.
Another example looks like this: It is the most popular song right now.
In this example, "it is" is the expletive phrase that refers to "song."
Since "song" is singular, it needs a singular verb.
