SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT

GENERAL RULE:If the subject is singular, the verb should be singular.

If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.

Mang Ato is a clown.

Singular

Singular

The students are sitting outside the building.

Plural

Plural

RULE # 1. An intervening phrase or clause does not affect the subject verb agreement.

The actor most admired by the students is on stage.

Singular

Singular

RULE # 2. Two or more singular subjects joined by or or nor must have a singular verb.

A car or a bus is the only means of travel there.

subject verb

Only the fathers or the mothers are to be invited.

The teachers or the parents go with the students.

Plural subjects joined by or / nor

RULE # 3. Two or more plural subjects joined by or or nor must have plural verb.

RULE # 4. If one or more singular subjects are joined to one or more plural subjects by or or nor, the subject closest to the verb determines agreement.

• Neither David nor my parents are going with us.

Singular

plural plural

RULE # 5. A compound subject joined by and is generally plural and must have a plural verb.

plural

One boy and one girl are the finalists.

Compound subjects

Exceptions: If the parts of a compound subject

add up to one thing, the compound subject is singular, it should take a singular verb.

Ham and eggs is a hearty breakfast.

Compound subject add up to one thing singular

Every dog and cat was inoculated.

If the compound subject is preceded by every or each , a singular verb is required.

Compound subject singular

1.Both my boss and her partner

(collect, collects) old coins.

2. Tina or Kathy (plan, plans) to represent us.

3. Neither Jack nor Tim (want, wants) to make the delivery.

4. The old books in the attic (was, were) thrown away.

5. The climate of both countries ( is , are) very good.

1.Dark clouds and rain (has, have) been forecast today.

2.Fruits and vegetables (provide, provides) many minerals.

3. Spaghetti and meatballs (is, are) her favorite dish.

4. A train or several buses( is, are) available on Sundays.

5. Both the twins and Nida ( is, are) visiting Grandmother.

6. Either my uncle or my parents (phone, phones) each

7. A carton of grapes from Cebu (was, were) delivered.

8. The vegetables in the stew ( is, are ) tasty.

9. The president and owner of the company (talk,talks) about the problem.

10. My uncle, as well as my cousins (is,are) coming