2. Rule # 1:
A verb agrees with its subject in number.
Danny and Tess are my classmates.
Algebra is my favourite subject.
The story seems interesting.
SS-SV
PS-PV
3. Rule # 2:
A compound subject that designates ONLY ONE
PERSON or THING takes a SINGULAR verb..
Ham and cheese is John’s favourite sandwich.
Breaking and entering is against the law.
4. Rule # 3:
Compound subjects joined by or, either…or, neither…..nor,
take verbs agreeing in number with the subject closer to the
verb.
Either Lisa or the other girls are tasked with the financial
matters.
Neither the kids nor Stella knows what is happening.
Either my father or my brothers are going to sell the house.
Neither my brothers nor my father is going to sell the house.
My aunt or my uncle is arriving by train today.
5. Rule # 4:
Compound subjects modified using each or every
are regarded as singular and take a singular verb.
Every bag, box and parcel is inspected by the guard.
Each member of the crew gets his salary once a month.
Every artist is sensitive.
Each soldier salutes the arrival of the president.
6. Rule # 5:
A singular subject followed by as well as, with,
including, along with, and together with takes a
singular verb.
The vocalist as well as the band is appearing for the press
conference.
The mayor as well as his brothers is going to prison.
The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected
shortly.
7. Rule # 6:
The indefinite pronouns each, either, neither,
someone, anyone, everyone, anybody, and
everybody take singular verbs.
Everybody knows the answer
Nobody speaks German here.
8. Rule # 7:
The indefinite pronouns both, many,
several and few take a plural verb.
Few take the challenge out of fear.
Both have been given that responsibility.
Many have answered the invitation for Friday evening.
Several indicate that they will be late.
9. Rule # 8:
Nouns ending in s or ics are always
paired with verbs in the singular form.
Politics is his easiest subject.
The news says there is possibility of a coup d'état.
Measles is a dangerous disease.
10. Rule # 9:
Singular verbs are used with mathematical
abstractions.
50% of the earth’s water is still safe for drinking.
Two and four is six.
Nine times nine is eighty-one.
Two-fifths of the vineyard was destroyed by the fire.
11. Rule # 10:
A sentence beginning with indefinite article a
number takes a plural verb; the number takes
a singular verb.
A number of hackers conspire to wreck the system.
The number of voters is recorded on the street.
A number of students were late for class.
The number of students in the class is fifteen.
12. Rule # 11:
Using a singular verb with distances, periods of
time, sum of money, etc. when considered as unit.
Three miles is too far to walk.
Five years is the maximum sentence for that offense.
Ten dollars is a high price to pay.
13. Rule # 12:
With words that indicate portions a lot, a majority,
some, all etc. We’re only guided by the noun after of.
A lot of pie has disappeared.
A lot of pies have disappeared.
All of the pie is gone.
All of the pies are gone.
Some of the pie is missing.
Some of the pies are missing.
