THE WRITING CENTER
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Write with confidence
Subject/Verb Agreement
Use a singular verb with a singular subject.
Use a plural verb with a plural subject.
SINGULAR The folder is on the shelf.
PLURAL The folders are on the shelf.
If the subject is two or more nouns joined by and, use a plural verb.
PLURAL Corey and the boy are going skiing.
If the subject is two or more singular nouns joined by or or nor, use a singular verb.
SINGULAR Corey or the boy is going skiing.
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If the subject has a singular and a plural noun joined by or or nor, use a verb that is the same number as the noun closest to it.
PLURAL (boys) Corey or the boys are going skiing.
SINGULAR (Corey) The boys or Corey is going skiing.
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WARNING: Don't be fooled by a phrase that comes between the subject and verb.
SINGULAR (folder, not notes) The folder with my notes is on the shelf.
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The following pronouns -- each, each one, either, neither, everyone, everybody, anybody, anyone, nobody, somebody, someone, and no one -- are singular and require a singular verb.
ALL SINGULAR
Each of the books is a dollar.
Each one of the men is a professional.
Either the dog or the cat has my shoe.
Neither the dog nor the cat has my shoe.
BUT PLURAL (cats closest to verb)
Neither the dog nor the cats have my shoe.
AND if or or nor is not used, the verb is singular.
SINGULAR Neither of the pets has my shoe.
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The following pronouns -- few, many, several, both-- are plural and require a plural verb.
ALL PLURAL
Few pets have fleas.
Many pets have fleas.
Several pets have fleas.
Both pets have fleas.
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