Subject–Verb Agreement Rules: UPCAT Grammar Reviewer
Subject–Verb Agreement
Find the true subject and choose the verb that agrees with it.
Subject–Verb Agreement
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The verb agrees with the grammatical subject
Do not choose a verb by sound or by the nearest noun. First find the actual subject. Set aside words that merely describe or interrupt it. Then choose the verb that agrees with that subject.
Each is singular even before a plural phrase.
Actual subject: Each
Each of the applicants has a permit.
Ignore the phrase of old records.
Actual subject: The box
The box of old records is in storage.
Two subjects joined by and are normally plural.
Actual subject: The adviser and the principal
The adviser and the principal are attending.
With nor, agree with the nearer subject.
Actual subject: the principal
Neither the teachers nor the principal is available.
Everyone is grammatically singular.
Actual subject: Everyone
Everyone in the rooms is ready.
A group acting as one unit takes a singular verb.
Actual subject: The committee
The committee submits its final report today.
In there constructions, agree with the real subject after the verb.
Actual subject: three reasons
There are three reasons for the delay.
A title is treated as one unit.
Actual subject: Stories from the Islands
“Stories from the Islands” is our assigned book.
A measurement viewed as one amount is singular.
Actual subject: Ten kilometers
Ten kilometers is too far to walk before sunrise.
Core rule
A singular subject takes a singular verb; a plural subject takes a plural verb.
High-value exception
With either/or and neither/nor, agree with the nearer subject.
Cross out interruptions before choosing
Why it works
Interrupting nouns do not change the grammatical number of the subject.
Five forms you should recognize
Each of the applicants has a permit.
The box of old records is in storage.
The adviser and the principal are attending.
Neither the teachers nor the principal is available.
Everyone in the rooms is ready.
Check before you commit
- Agreeing with the nearest noun
- Treating each or everyone as plural
- Ignoring the nearer subject after nor
- Making titles plural
- Matching there instead of the real subject
- Assuming every collective noun is plural
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Subject–Verb Agreement FAQ
Is “each” singular?
Yes, even when followed by a plural of-phrase.
What happens with neither/nor?
The verb agrees with the nearer subject.
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