Cordell 2013-14 Subject-Verb Agreement

Basic Rule: A SINGULAR subject requires a SINGULAR verb, while a PLURAL subject requires a PLURAL verb.

But oh! If only life were that easy. Of course, there are many variations and guidelines to follow. Let’s take a look at a few.

Rule 1: Two singular subjects connected by or or nor require a singular verb. Hint: This is the same as two singular subject connected with either/or and neither/nor. Example: My aunt or my uncle is arriving by train today.

Neither Juan nor Carmen is available today.

Rule 2: When I is one of the two subjects connected by either/or or neither/nor, put it second and follow it with the singular verb am. Example: Neither she nor I am going to the festival.

Rule 3: When a singular subject is connected by or or nor to a plural subject, put the plural subject last and use a plural verb. Same goes for a singular subject and plural subject connected by either/neither. Example: The serving bowl or the plates go on that shelf.

Neither Jenny nor the others are available.

Rule 4: As a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they are connected by and. Example: A car and a bike are my means of transportation.

Rule 5: Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by words such as along with, as well as, besides, or not. Ignore these expressions when determining whether to use a singular or plural verb. Examples: The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly.

Excitement, as well as nervousness, is the cause of her shaking.

Rule 6: The pronouns each, everyone, every one, everybody, anyone, anybody, someone, and somebody are singular and require singular verbs. Do not be misled by what follows of. Examples Each of the girls sings well. : Every one of the cakes is gone. NOTE: Everyone is one word when it means everybody. Every one is two words when the meaning is each one.

**These are only a portion of the rules/guidelines for subject-verb agreement. For more you can visit: owl.purdue.edu Cordell 2013-14 Subject-Verb Agreement

PRACTICE (look for the subject first, determine if singular or plural):

1. But there (is, are) usually many legitimate claims that can be made about a product or service if one knows the facts.

2. As a persuasive writer, you must emphasize the facts that (gives, give) your product an edge over your competitor’s.

3. A successful persuasive letter usually (asks, ask) the reader to do something.

4. The closing of the letter (suggests, suggest) that the reader send for more information or fill out a questionnaire or an application form.

5. Writers of persuasive letters must make clear exactly what action (he expects, they expect) from the reader.

PRONOUNS AND ANTECEDENTS A pronoun agrees with its antecedent in number, gender, and person. If the antecedent is singular, a singular pronoun is required. The plural antecedent requires a plural pronoun.

The following antecedents are referred to by singular pronouns: anybody, anyone, each, either, everybody, everyone, neither, nobody, one, somebody, someone. ex. Each of the boys has his own savings account. Anyone can achieve his or her goals.

Singular antecedents joined by or/nor are referred to by a singular pronoun. ex. John nor Dave could find his jacket. A dog or a cat can find its way home.

Collective nouns may take either a singular or plural pronoun, depending on the meaning of the sentence. ex. The cast is having its picture taken. (whole group as one) The cast quickly took their places on stage. (individuals)

Choosing the Right Pronoun. Underline the correct pronoun. 1. Neither Mary nor Laura has turned in (her, their) report. 2. Anybody can learn to set up (his, their) own tent. 3. Each of the boys takes care of (his, their) own room. 4. Neither Tom nor Jim can give (his, their) report today. Cordell 2013-14 Subject-Verb Agreement

5. Anyone can join our group if (he, they) is really interested.