Rule #1: The subject and the verb must ALWAYS agree in number.
Rule #2: Compound subjects joined by and usually take a plural verb.
- Both Annie and Johnny are going to buy some food.
- The dog and the cat jump over the fence.
- My brothers and my classmate send me a text message earlier.
Rule #3:When a compound subject is joined by(either) or or (neither) nor, the verb agrees with the nearer subject.
- Either the Josh or James is qualified to be a leader.
- Neither Cris nor Chase makes a good cake.
- Neither boys nor girls want to sing on stage.
- Either the cat or the dogs were taken by the man.
Rule #4: A collective noun takes a singular verb if the idea expressed by the subject is thought of as ONE or as a unit; it takes a plural verb when the idea refers to SEPARATE INDIVIDUALS.
Singular
- The flock of swans makes a beautiful pattern in the lake.
- My family lives in Pili.
- The class was cheering loudly for their classmate.
Plural
- The class were giving different suggestions for the party. (students of the class)
- My family have a lot of properties. (members of the family)
- Our team are playing hard to win the game. (all team members)
Rule #5:Some nouns that are plural in form but singular in meaning take singular verbs.
- The news has surprised us all.
- Mumps is a certainly an uncomfortable disease
Rule #6: Some nouns are plural in form and in meaning will take plural verbs.
- The scissors are broken
- My pants were bought yesterday.
- That pair of trousers look good on you
Rule #7: Prepositional phrases that come between the subject and the verb do not change the number of the subject.
- The mother together with her children is buying food.
- The students, as well as their teacher, sing with joy.
- Sam, along with his sisters, goes to the mall.
Rule #8: “Introductory it” is always singular.
- It was my mother who painted my room.
- It is Tina who works in the store.
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