Basic principle

A verb agrees with its subject in number and person, not with the noun that happens to stand closest to it. Most errors in sentence-correction questions arise when words placed between the subject and the verb mislead the reader.

Compound subjects

Two subjects joined by and take a plural verb. The exception is a pair that expresses a single idea or refers to one person, as in bread and butter is his usual breakfast, or the secretary and treasurer has resigned.

Either, neither, or, nor

With either…or, neither…nor, or and nor, the verb agrees with the subject nearer to it. Neither the manager nor the clerks were present; neither the clerks nor the manager was present.

Along with, as well as, together with

These phrases do not add to the subject. The verb agrees with the first subject: the Director, along with his deputies, is reviewing the proposal.

Each, every, either, neither, many a

Each, every, either and neither take a singular verb, including when followed by of and a plural noun. Many a is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb: many a candidate has failed.

Collective nouns

A collective noun takes a singular verb when the group acts as one unit (the committee has submitted its report) and a plural verb when members act individually (the committee are divided in their views). Unit usage is the safer choice in examinations.

Plural in form, singular in meaning

News, economics, mathematics, physics, ethics and politics take singular verbs when they name a subject or a thing. Scissors, trousers and spectacles remain plural; a pair of scissors is singular.

Number, amount and time

The number of takes a singular verb; a number of takes a plural verb. A sum of money, a distance or a period treated as a unit is singular: five years is a long time.

Relative pronouns

In one of those who, the verb is plural because who refers to the plural noun. In the only one of those who, the verb is singular because the reference is to one.

Key points to remember

Practice: 10 MCQs

Attempt all ten questions, then press Submit. The correct answer and a short explanation appear under every question, followed by your score analysis.