Grammar: Subject-Verb Agreement

Front 1

basic rule

Back 1

a singular subject takes a singular verb, whereas, a plural subject takes a plural verb

Front 2

rule one

Back 2

a subject will come before a phrase beginning with 'of'. the word 'of' is the culprit in many Subject-Verb disagreements.

Hint 2

where does the subject come in a phrase that uses 'of'

Front 3

rule two

Back 3

two singular subjects connected by 'or', 'either/or', or 'neither/or' require a singular verb

Hint 3

singular subjects with 'or', 'either/or', or 'neither/or' require

Front 4

rule three

Back 4

the verb in an or, either/or, or neither/or sentence agrees with the noun or pronoun closest to it.

neither the plates nor the serving bowl goes on that shelf

neither the bowl nor the plates go on that shelf

Hint 4

or agrees with which noun or pronoun

Front 5

rule four

Back 5

as a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when joined by and.

Hint 5

and gets which type of verb

Front 6

rule five

Back 6

Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by along with, as well as, etc. these words and phrases are not part of the subject. use a singular verb when the subject is singular?

excitement, as well as, nervousness, is the cause of her shaking

Hint 6

seperate, singular, subjects get what kind of verb

Front 7

rule six

Back 7

with words that indicate portions - a lot, a majority, some - rule one is reversed, and we are guided by the noun after of. if the noun after of is singular, use a singular verb. if the noun is plural, use a plural verb

a lot of the pie has disappeared
a lot of the pies have disappeared

Hint 7

portions reverse rule one

Front 8

rule seven

Back 8

in sentences beginning with here or there, the true subject follows the verb.

there are four hurdles to jump
there is a high hurdle to jump
here are the keys

Hint 8

with here or there where does the subject come

Front 9

note one

Back 9

the word there's, a contraction of there is, causes confusion and bad habits. there's a lot of people here. take care to never use there's with a plural subject

Hint 9

can there's be used with a plural subject

Front 10

rule eight

Back 10

use a singular verb with distances, periods of time, sums of money, etc., when considered as a unit.

three miles is too far to walk

Hint 10

what kind of verb do you use with units?

Front 11

rule nine

Back 11

some collective nouns, such as family, couple, staff, etc., may take either a single or plural verb, depending on situation.

Hint 11

collective nouns take which kind of verb, singular or plural

Front 12

note two

Back 12

anyone who uses a plural verb with a collective noun must take care to be accurate and consistent.

the staff is deciding how they want to vote. - wrong

the staff are deciding how they want to vote.

Front 13

rule ten

Back 13

the word were replaces was in sentences that express a wish or are contrary to fact.

if John were here you'd be sorry.

shouldn't John be followed by was, given that John is singular? but John isn't actually here.

this demonstrates subjunctive mood, which is used to express things that are hypothetical, wishful, imaginary, or factually contradictory.

she requested he raise his hand.