Advanced Subject-Verb Agreement
Module 3: Subject-Verb Agreement and Pronouns
Advanced subject-verb agreement goes beyond the basic rules of matching singular subjects with singular verbs and plural subjects with plural verbs. It involves understanding how various elements in a sentence can affect the agreement between the subject and the verb. Here are some advanced rules and examples:
### 1. Subjects Joined by “And”
When subjects are joined by “and,” they usually take a plural verb.
**Example:**
– The cat and the dog are best friends.
**Exception**: When the subjects form a single entity or unit, use a singular verb.
– Macaroni and cheese is my favorite dish.
### 2. Singular Indefinite Pronouns
Singular indefinite pronouns (anybody, everyone, no one, each, either, neither, etc.) take singular verbs.
**Example:**
– Everyone is excited about the trip.
### 3. Plural Indefinite Pronouns
Some indefinite pronouns (few, many, several, both) always take plural verbs.
**Example:**
– Both are correct.
### 4. Subjects Joined by “Or” and “Nor”
When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
**Example:**
– Either the teacher or the students are confused.
– Neither the students nor the teacher is ready.
### 5. Collective Nouns
Collective nouns (team, family, group, audience, etc.) take either a singular or plural verb, depending on whether the group acts as a single unit or as individuals.
**Example:**
– The team is winning. (acting as a single unit)
– The team are arguing among themselves. (acting as individuals)
### 6. Subjects Containing “Each” and “Every”
Subjects preceded by “each” or “every” take a singular verb.
**Example:**
– Every student and teacher is required to attend.
### 7. Quantities and Amounts
Quantities and amounts, when considered as a unit, take a singular verb.
**Example:**
– Five dollars is not enough.
– Twenty miles is a long distance.
### 8. Fractions and Percentages
With fractions or percentages, the verb agrees with the noun following “of.”
**Example:**
– Fifty percent of the cake has been eaten.
– One-third of the students are absent.
### 9. “None” and “All”
None and all can be singular or plural, depending on the noun they refer to.
**Example:**
– None of the information is useful. (information is uncountable)
– All of the cookies are gone. (cookies are countable)
### Examples
**Advanced Subject-Verb Agreement Sentences:**
1. Neither the CEO nor the managers are attending the meeting.
2. A bouquet of roses adds charm to the room.
3. Each of the players is ready for the match.
4. One-third of the water has evaporated. By mastering these advanced rules, you’ll be able to write with more grammatical precision and clarity, ensuring that your sentences are both correct and easily understood
