When it comes to grammar, the English language can be complicated. Even practiced writers can trip up on subject-verb agreement from time to time, because, honestly, it’s easy to do. Below,
I’ve compiled a few subject-verb agreement rules and tips that might help:
If the subject is singular, the verb should be in singular form.
Example: "Allison runs twice a week."
If the subject is plural, the verb should be in plural form.
Example: "Team members run twice a week."
If the subject is singular as part of a whole (everybody, anyone, each one), use the singular verb form.
Example: "Everyone on the team runs twice a week."
Likewise, if the subject is plural as part of a whole (several, many, both), use the plural verb form.
Example: "Several members of the team run twice a week."
If the subject is multiple words connected by “and” or “both,” then the subject is plural. Use a plural verb.
Example: "Allison and Carrie run twice a week."
If the subject is multiple singular words connected by “or,” “either…or,” or “neither…nor,” then the subject is singular. Use a singular verb.
Example: "Neither Allison nor Carrie runs twice a week."
If the subject is multiple plural words connected by “or,” “either…or,” or “neither…nor,” then the subject is plural. Use a plural verb.
Example: "Neither team members nor new recruits run twice a week."
These pronouns —all, most, more, none, some, or any—may have a singular or plural verb, depending on the form of the subject.
Example: "Most of the team runs twice a week. Most of the team members run twice a week."
Hopefully, these tips provide some clarity where you might struggle with subject-verb agreement. If you need additional help, Purdue has a great guide here:
