Subject & Verb Agreement Content

Content
Subject–Verb Agreement Rules

Key: subject = yellow, bold; verb = green, underline
Subjects and verbs must agree in number. In addition to the explanations on this
page, also see the post on Subject—Verb Agreement.
1. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular too.
Example: She writes every day.

Exception: When using the singular "they," use plural verb forms.
Example: The participant expressed satisfaction with their
job. They are currently in a managerial role at the organization.
2. If the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural.
Example: They write every day.

Sometimes, however, it seems a bit more complicated than this.
3. When the subject of the sentence is composed of two or more nouns or

pronouns connected by and, use a plural verb.
Example: The doctoral student and the committee members write every
day.
Example: The percentage of employees who called in sick and the
number of employees who left their jobs within 2 years are reflective of
the level of job satisfaction.
4. When there is one subject and more than one verb, the verbs throughout the
sentence must agree with the subject.
Example: Interviews are one way to collect data and allow researchers to
gain an in-depth understanding of participants.
Example: An assumption is something that is generally accepted as
true and is an important consideration when conducting a doctoral study.
5. When a phrase comes between the subject and the verb, remember that the
verb still agrees with the subject, not the noun or pronoun in the phrase
following the subject of the sentence.
Example: The student, as well as the committee members, is excited.
Created by: Sean Coffie

1
Example: The student with all the master’s degrees is very motivated.
Example: Strategies that the teacher uses to encourage classroom
participation include using small groups and clarifying expectations.
Example: The focus of the interviews was nine purposively selected
participants.
6. When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are connected by "or" or "nor,"
use a singular verb.
Example: The chairperson or the CEO approves the proposal before

proceeding.
7. When a compound subject contains both a singular and a plural noun or

pronoun joined by "or" or "nor," the verb should agree with the part of the
subject that is closest to the verb. This is also called the rule of proximity.
Example: The student or the committee members write every day.

Example: The committee members or the student writes every day.
8. The words and phrases "each," "each one," "either," "neither," "everyone,"
"everybody," "anyone," "anybody," "nobody," "somebody," "someone," and
"no one" are singular and require a singular verb.
Example: Each of the participants was willing to be recorded.

Example: Neither alternative hypothesis was accepted.
Example: I will offer a $5 gift card to everybody who participates in the
study.
Example: No one was available to meet with me at the preferred times.
9. Noncount nouns take a singular verb.
Example: Education is the key to success.

Example: Diabetes affects many people around the world.
Example: The information obtained from the business owners was relevant
to include in the study.
Example: The research I found on the topic was limited.
10. Some countable nouns in English such as earnings, goods, odds,

surroundings, proceeds, contents, and valuables only have a plural form and
take a plural verb.
Example: The earnings for this quarter exceed expectations.

2
Example: The proceeds from the sale go to support the homeless
population in the city.
Example: Locally produced goods have the advantage of shorter supply
chains.
11. In sentences beginning with "there is" or "there are," the subject follows the
verb. Since "there" is not the subject, the verb agrees with what follows the
verb.
Example: There is little administrative support.

Example: There are many factors affecting teacher retention.
12. Collective nouns are words that imply more than one person but are
considered singular and take a singular verb. Some examples are "group,"
"team," "committee," "family," and "class."
Example: The group meets every week.

Example: The committee agrees on the quality of the writing.
However, the plural verb is used if the focus is on the individuals in the group.
This is much less common.
Example: The committee participate in various volunteer activities in their
private lives.

3

Subject & Verb Agreement Content

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Subject & Verb Agreement Content

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Subject & Verb Agreement Content

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Content

Subject–Verb Agreement Rules

1. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular too.

Example: She writes every day.

2. If the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural.

Example: They write every day.

3. When the subject of the sentence is composed of two or more nouns or

Example: The student, as well as the committee members, is excited.

Created by: Sean Coffie

Example: The chairperson or the CEO approves the proposal before

7. When a compound subject contains both a singular and a plural noun or

Example: The student or the committee members write every day.

Example: Each of the participants was willing to be recorded.

9. Noncount nouns take a singular verb.

Example: Education is the key to success.

10. Some countable nouns in English such as earnings, goods, odds,

Example: The earnings for this quarter exceed expectations.

Created by: Sean Coffie

Example: There is little administrative support.

Example: The group meets every week.

Created by: Sean Coffie

You might also like