Subject-verb agreement Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement: Singular Subjects
1. When the following words are used as subjects, they are always singular. Some of these words are plural in meaning, but they always require singular verbs.
everyone someone anyone no one each
everybody somebody anybody nobody either
everything something anything nothing neither
S V
Everyone is here.
S V
Neither of these books is very new.
2. When each or every comes before singular subjects joined by and, a singular verb is required.
S S V
Every man and woman is eligible to vote.
S S V
Each student and teacher has a locker.
3. Introductory it is singular and always followed by a singular verb.
S V
It was the dogs which awakened me.
Exercise 1
Questions 1-5
Directions: Underline the subject of the missing verb, and fill in the blank with was and were.
1. In World War II, it ____ the men who served in combat roles.
2. Neither of the reporters ____ allowed to interview the players.
3. Everyone ____ required to write a composition.
4. Every man, woman, and child ____ given a free ticket.
5. Everything in the house ____ destroyed by the fire.
Questions 6-10
Directions: Underline the subjects and the verbs. Put a check ( ) beside correct sentences and an X beside incorrect sentences.
6. Each fruit and vegetable were organically grown.
7. Everyone have to arrive at 8:30 in the morning.
8. It was the children who broke the windows.
9. Everything in the house is for sale.
10. Every student want to pass the TOEFL.
Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement (continued)
4. Words that come between a subject and its verb do not change the number of the subject. Prepositional phrases often have this position.
S together with V
The man in addition to his ten children is leaving soon.
along with
as well as
S V
Everyone except him has a book.
S V
The teacher along with her students is viewing a film.
S V
One of the most enjoyable parties was given by Helen.
5. There, here, and where are never subjects (except in a sentence like this one!). When a sentence begins with one of these words, the subject comes after the verb.
V S
There are no dogs in this neighborhood.
V S
Here are the results of the experiments.
Exercise 2 Questions 1-5
Directions: Underline the subject of each missing verb. Fill in the blank with has or have.
1. Wallpaper in addition to new curtains ___ been ordered.
2. There ____ been no new discoveries in that field.
3. Algeria as well as Tunisia and Libya ____ sent students to the United States.
4. Where ____ everyone gone?
5. John but not Mike ____ gone to play soccer at the park.
Questions 6-10
Directions: Underline the subjects and the verbs. Put a check ( ) beside correct sentences and an X beside incorrect sentences.
6. There has never been so many joggers in the race.
7. A box of books as well as a large suitcase are under the bed.
8. The president together with his assistants has left for Washington.
9. Here is the music as well as the words to the song.
10. Everyone in the two classes speak English very well.
Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement (continued):