What Every Sentence Has: Subject and Verb

WRITTEN October 23, 2015 Author: Rich Atkins

AGREEMENT

One of the basic aspects of proper sentence structure is ensuring the correct agreement between the subject and verb.

A singular subject uses a singular verb; a plural subject uses a plural verb.

  • Singular:       Loretta works here.

[Loretta (the subject) and works (the verb) are singular.]

  • Plural:          The siblings work here.

[The siblings (the subject) work (the verb) are plural.]

  • Plural:          A train and a bus hold many passengers.

[A train and a bus (the subject) is plural; therefore, hold (the verb) needs to be plural.]

When parts of a subject are joined by or, or nor, the verb agrees with the nearer part.

            Neither Jeannie nor I work here.
[I is singular; therefore, work (the verb) needs to be singular.]

            The sales team or the directors are not here.
[directors is plural; therefore, are (the verb) needs to be plural.]

Singular indefinite pronouns use singular verbs. These pronouns include each, either, neither, and words that end in –body, –one, orthing.

  • Singular:    Each worker must do her/his job.

[Each worker (the subject) is always singular; therefore, do (the verb) needs to be singular.]
 

Plural indefinite pronouns use plural verbs. These pronouns include several, few, both, and many.

  • Plural: Several were eager to go further.

[Several (the subject) is always plural; therefore, were (the verb) needs to be plural.]

For indefinite pronouns that end in –body, –one, orthing, imagine adding “single” to reinforce the pronoun’s need for a singular verb.

  •  Everyone → Every (single) one                      Everyone needs a friend.
  •  Somebody → Some (single) body                  Somebody needs help.
  •  Anything → Any (single) thing                      Anything goes.
  •  No one → No (single) one                              No one knows.

Indefinite Pronouns

Any

(single)

-body

Every

(single)

-one

No

(single)

-thing

Some

(single)

 


This information is from the Business Grammar & Usage class curriculums. If you’re looking for ways to improve your communication skills, register for one of our public classes.

Other Resources:

Examples of Subject/Verb Agreement

Subject and Verb Agreement | Grammar Rules

Test Yourself on Subject/Verb Agreement

Stay Connected

Subscribe to the IC weekly newsletter for tips and advice on your communication skills!

Public Classes

Effective communication is empowering. Get started on your path to being more clear, brief, and effective.

Upcoming Classes