Subject-Verb Agreement

1. Singular Subject Rule: One person, place, object, or idea A singular subject takes a singular verb. The singular verbs will end in an S in the present tense.Example: Jenna runs errands for her neighbor every morning

before work.

2. Plural Subject Rule: More than one person, place, object, or idea A plural subject takes a plural verb.Example: Matt and Amy work until 6:00 p.m. each day.

When a sentence contains a verb phrase, the helping verb agrees with the subject.Example: The girl has been delayed. (singular)

The girls have been delayed. (plural)

3. Indefinite Pronouns: these make a general reference to someone or something.

These pronouns are always singular. List of indefinites: each every everyone everybody anyone one either anybodysomeone somebody nobody no one everything nothing something anything

4. BFSM: (pronouns) Both, few, several, many These pronouns are always plural and must take a plural verb.

Example: Both team members share the record for the most goals.

5. SANAM: (pronouns) Some, any, none, all, most These words depend on the subject to determine whether they are singular or plural.Example: Some of my money was stolen. (singular)

Most of the boxes were filled. (plural)

6. The “And” Rule: Subjects joined by “and” are usually considered plural and take a plural verb.Example: Emily and Jake are photographers.

The Exception: If the subjects are considered one unit, they take a singular verb.

Example: Macaroni and cheese is Tom’s favorite meal.

7. Or/Nor: When subjects are joined by one of these conjunctions, the subject closest to the verb determines whether it’s singular or plural. Example: Neither Dan nor his friends want to attend the school dance. (Pl)

8. Collective Nouns: Collective nouns are usually singular, unless people within the group do not share the same belief or opinion. Example: The class meets every Wednesday at noon. (singular)

The Robinson family disagree with one another about where to go on vacation. (plural)

9. Does/Doesn’t and Do/Don’t: Does/Doesn’t are singular Do/Don’t are plural

Example: Sarah does like the color green. (singular) We don’t want any lima beans. (plural)

Exception: I and You will take a plural verb.

10.Numbers/Measurements: Number amounts, fractions, percentages, and measurements depend on whether that amount is a singular unit or as individual pieces/parts.

Example: Fifteen dollars is the cost for that CD. (singular) Five dollar bills were found on the floor. (plural)

11.Titles/Names: Titles of creative works and names of companies, organizations, or cities or countries are considered singular.

Example: To Kill a Mockingbird is a famous written novel by Harper Lee.