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    1 Subject-verb agreement rules II


    Learn how to identify singular and plural subjects.
    Learn how to use the proper form of the verb with complex subjects.

    2 Collective nouns and proper nouns

    Collective nouns are seen as a singular entity, so they use singular verbs. However, when the
    sentence refers to individual members of the group/collection, it uses a plural verb.

    The committee plans the budget.


    The committee are arguing about the expenses for the project.

    Titles of books, songs, and movies, names of organizations, and names of countries are
    always singular.

    Star Wars is a popular movie.

    3 Numbers and time

    With words that indicate portions —


    "percent," "fraction," "part," "majority," "some," "all," "remainder," etc. — look at the noun in the
    "of" phrase. If the noun is singular, use a singular verb. If the noun is plural, use a plural verb.

    One-third of the city is unemployed.


    One-third of the cities were hit by the storm.

    Use a singular verb with sums of money or periods of time.

    Four hundred dollars is too much to pay for a bottle of wine.

    4 Compound subjects

    Compound subjects joined by "and" are always plural, unless they are seen as a single unit.

    My computer and my cellphone are my most useful possessions.


    Ham and eggs is my favorite breakfast.

    When compound subjects are joined by "either ... or ... ," "neither ... nor ... ," or "not only ... but
    also ... ," the verb agrees with the subject nearest it.
    Either the files or the binder is in the drawer.
    Either the binder or the files are in the drawer.
    Neither the director nor the members like the proposal.
    Not only the members but also the director likes the proposal.

    SUMMARY

    Here are some more rules on the subject-verb agreement:

    Collective nouns are generally seen as a singular entity, so they use singular verbs.
    Titles, names of organizations, and names of countries are always singular
    Words that indicate portions —
    "percent," "fraction," "part," "majority," "some," "all," "remainder", etc. — look at the
    noun in the "of" phrase.
    Use a singular verb with sums of money or periods of time.
    Compound subjects joined by "and" are always plural, unless they are seen as a single
    unit.
    When compound subjects are joined by "either ... or ... ," "neither ... nor ... ," or "not
    only ... but also ... ," the verb agrees with the subject nearest it.

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