| When subjects and verbs cannot and do not | | | | sentence and/or the subject follows the verb |
| agree, the resulting battle creates an incorrect | | | | (inverted order). |
| sentence. More and more this problem appears | | | | Error: There is several reasons for the test |
| not only in speech but also in writing. However, | | | | results. |
| learning how to make subjects and verbs agree | | | | Correct: There are several reasons for the test |
| isn't very hard. First one needs to recognize the | | | | results. |
| problem areas and then correct the error. | | | | Error: On much of the Alaskan landmass lives |
| A verb must agree in number with its subject: A | | | | many animals. |
| singular subject requires a singular verb; a plural | | | | Correct: On much of the Alaskan landmass live |
| subject requires a plural verb. Let's examine some | | | | many animals. |
| rules of subject-verb agreement, instances of | | | | 7. A singular subject that ends in s requires a |
| incorrect usage, and how to repair the problem. | | | | singular verb. |
| 1. If a group of words including one or more | | | | Error: The television series Da Vinci's Inquest take |
| nouns, such as an object of a prepositional | | | | place in Canada. |
| phrase, comes between a subject and verb, be | | | | Correct: The television series Da Vinci's Inquest |
| sure the verb agrees with the subject, not one or | | | | takes place in Canada. |
| more nouns in the group of words or prepositional | | | | 8. A singular verb is needed for the title of a |
| phrase. A subject separated from its verb still | | | | work as the subject. |
| must agree with the verb. | | | | Error: The Princess Diaries tell the story of a |
| Error: According to Mary Ellen, the boys on the | | | | young woman who discovers she is a princess. |
| team arrives late every day. | | | | Correct: The Princess Diaries tells the story of a |
| Correct: According to Mary Ellen, the boys on the | | | | young woman who discovers she is a princess. |
| team arrive late every day. | | | | 9. A noun naming an amount that is used as a |
| Error: The sea otter as well as the sea lion inhabit | | | | subject takes a singular verb. |
| the waters of Alaska. | | | | Error: Six months of darkness make winter |
| Correct: The sea otter as well as the sea lion | | | | difficult in the far north. |
| inhabits the waters of Alaska. | | | | Correct: Six months of darkness makes winter |
| 2. Singular subjects joined by and should have a | | | | difficult in the far north. |
| plural verb under most circumstances. | | | | 10. Collective nouns may be singular or plural as |
| If the parts of the subject refer to more than | | | | used. |
| one thing, use a plural verb. | | | | If the subject is considered as a whole group, a |
| Error: Oklahoma City and Tulsa is the largest cities | | | | singular verb is required. |
| in the state. | | | | Error: A group of Native Americans, the |
| Correct: Oklahoma City and Tulsa re the largest | | | | Cherokee, live in northeast Oklahoma. |
| cities in the state. | | | | Correct: A group of Native Americans, the |
| If the parts of the subject refer to the same | | | | Cherokee, lives in northeast Oklahoma. |
| thing, use a singular verb. | | | | If the subject refers to each individual in the |
| Error: The capital and largest city are Oklahoma | | | | group, a plural verb is needed. |
| City. | | | | Error: The group offers different opinions as to |
| Correct: The capital and largest city is Oklahoma | | | | how to spend the money. |
| City. | | | | Correct: The group offer different opinions as to |
| 3. When a compound subject is joined by or, | | | | how to spend the money. |
| either-or, nor, or neither-nor, the verb agrees in | | | | 11. Indefinite pronouns take a singular or plural |
| number to the subject closest to it. | | | | verbs under deferent circumstances. |
| Error: Either hyperbole or personification are used | | | | If the indefinite pronoun is singular, a singular verb |
| in each poem. | | | | is needed. |
| Correct: Either hyperbole or personification is used | | | | Error: Each of the girls take art. |
| in each poem. | | | | Correct: Each of the girls takes art. |
| Error: Mary or Terry are next. | | | | If the pronoun could be either singular or plural but |
| Correct: Mary or Terry is next. | | | | refers to a singular noun, a singular verb is |
| 4. A compound subject preceded by many a, | | | | needed. |
| every, a number, the number or each requires a | | | | Error: Some of the catch are bass. |
| singular verb. | | | | Correct: Some of the catch is bass. |
| Error: Each man and woman enjoy a delicious | | | | If the pronoun, which could be either singular or |
| meal. | | | | plural, refers to a plural noun, a plural verb is |
| Correct: Each man and woman enjoys a delicious | | | | required. |
| meal. | | | | Error: Some of the parts is sold at discount |
| 5. A verb agrees with the subject rather than a | | | | stores. |
| subject complement/ predicate nominative. | | | | Correct Some of the parts are sold at discount |
| Error: The books on the table is the package that | | | | stores. |
| arrived today. | | | | Keeping a few guidelines at hand can help writers |
| Correct: The books on the table are the | | | | remember how to make those subjects and |
| packages that arrived today. | | | | verbs agree. Then writing becomes more |
| 6. Make sure the verb agrees with its subject | | | | peaceful and smooth. |
| even if another word or phrase begins the | | | | |