1. Singular subjects need singular verbs; plural subjects need plural verbs.
Singular: The dog barks all night.
Plural: The dogs bark all night.
2. Do not be fooled by words between the subject and verb; they do not affect agreement.
Example: The CEO, along with the managers, is attending the meeting.
3. When the subject of the sentence is composed of two or more nouns or pronouns connected by ‘and,’ use a plural verb.
Example: Tom and Jerry are famous characters.
However, use a singular verb if two nouns refer to the same person or thing or are considered a single unit.
Example: Peanut butter and jelly is my favourite snack.
4. With words that indicate portions—such as a lot, a majority, some, all—rule 1 given above still applies. Use a singular verb if the noun following it is singular. If it’s plural, use a plural verb.
Example: A lot of the pie has disappeared.
Example: A lot of the cookies have disappeared.
6. In sentences starting with “there” or “here,” the verb agrees with the subject that follows it.
Example: There are four hurdles to complete.
Example: Here is the best part of the movie.
7. Use a singular verb with sums of money or periods of time.
Example: Ten dollars is a high price to pay.
Example: Five years is the maximum sentence.
8. With Indefinite Pronouns:
Singular indefinite pronouns include anyone, everyone, someone, no one, nobody, each, either, neither, one, etc., and they take singular verbs.
Example: Everyone loves the new movie.
Plural indefinite pronouns include both, few, many, others, several, and they take plural verbs.
Example: Few know the truth.
Some indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural, depending on the context (all, any, more, most, some).
Example: All of the cake is gone. (singular)
Example: All of the cookies are gone. (plural)
9. When subjects are joined by ‘or’ or ‘nor,’ the verb should agree with the part of the subject closest to the verb.
Example: Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
Example: Neither the students nor the teacher is responsible.
10. When subjects are preceded by ‘each’ or ‘every,’ the verb is singular.
Example: Each student has a unique talent.
Example: Every book and magazine is on sale.
11. Gerunds (verbs ending in -ing that function as nouns) and infinitives (to + verb) are singular and take singular verbs.
Example: Swimming is fun.
Example: To read is to explore new worlds.