SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT

BY: CHE ZAITON BT SALEH

Explanation

Examples

A singular verb is used with singular subject while a plural verb is used with plural subject.

She has chicken pox. Her friend is the Health Minister. I swim the breaststroke.

A singular verb is used with collective noun when it is considered as a whole unit.

A swarm of bees has just attacked the hunter. The pile of newspapers has been recycled

Explanation

Examples

A singular verb is also used with uncountable nouns.

The rubbish has been collected. Fresh air is good for you.

Words like each, every, none, anybody, everyone, each of, one of, neither of, either of, every one of, etc. take a singular verb.

Every dog has its day. Neither of the twins knows when their father will return. Each of you has to sign the walkathon card.

Explanation

Examples

For sentences with expressions like with, as well as and like, the verb agrees with the first subject mentioned.

Rosie, as well as her peers, enjoys dancing. John, just like James and Jack, eats big meals.

When either or neither is used in a sentence, the verb agrees with the subject nearer to it.

Neither Kyle nor his sisters, are satisfied. Either the school prefect or the school captain was here.

Explanation

Examples

A plural verb is used for two singular nouns joined by and.

My books and file are kept in this drawer. An elf and pixie are imaginary creatures.

A plural verb is also used for subjects joined by bothand, or all.but.

Both Mr. Ranjit and Mr. Lee are workaholics. All but Nazreen support the motion.