SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT

A subject is a noun or pronoun. A verb is an action performed by the subject.

Matching Subjects with Verbs Verbs must agree with subjects in number and in person (1st/2nd/3rd). EXAMPLE: The dog drinks his water every day.

Singular Plural The girl dances. The girls dance. The dog drinks. The dogs drink. The boy runs. The boys run. She plays. Mary and Laura play. She plays. They play.

Prepositional Phrases and Why They Matter EXAMPLE: The boxes of cake mix are on the shelf. A prepositional phrase is a two - to four-word phrase (sometimes more) that begins with a preposition (above, among, at, below, beneath, between, in, of, over, to, under).

Preposition Above in Among of at on below over beneath to under

EXAMPLE: The teachers in the classroom is/are very experienced EXAMPLE: Under the tree is/are several flowers.

Pronouns and Indefinite Pronouns Singular indefinite pronouns take the singular verb. EXAMPLE: Everyone in the class supports the teacher.

Other singular indefinite pronouns are anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, neither, nobody, no one, somebody, someone, something. EXAMPLE: Every man, woman, and child was/were given a book. (“was”) Each student is/are required to pass the final exam. (“is”)

Indefinite pronouns such as few, many, and several are plural and take plural verbs. EXAMPLE: Both of my dogs has/have collars. (“have”) Several of my friends is/are sick. (“are”)

Special Cases If a sentence has two subjects connected by or/nor, either/or, or neither/nor, the verb must agree with the second subject (the subject closer to the verb). EXAMPLE: Neither the dogs nor the cat is going outside. EXAMPLE: Neither the cat nor the dogs are going outside.

EXAMPLE: Neither of the two stores is open. Either store is fine with me.