SUBJECT - VERB AGREEMENT

- Singular verb: The boy is in the garden. / There is a boy in the garden.
- Plural verb:     The boys are in the garden. / There are boys (two or more) in the garden.

• Two single nouns that are joined by 'or' or 'nor' take a singular verb.
  • “Either Eva or Joy has taken the wrong coat.”
  • “Neither Tom nor Harry has arrived yet.”

• 'Each', 'every', 'everyone', 'everybody', 'anyone', 'anybody', someone', 'somebody, 'something' take a singular verb.
  • “Each/every inhabitant is concerned.”
  • “Everyone/everybody/anyone/anybody/someone/somebody is responsible.”
  • "Something is not working properly."

• Couple takes a singular verb.
  A couple (two people in a relationship):
  • “Where is the couple that enquired about a wedding reception ?
  • “The married couple was given a suite.”
  • "The couple eats out twice a month."

• Distances, Time and Money takes a singular verb.
  When distances or amounts are considered as a unit, a singular verb is used:
  • “Four miles is too far to walk.”
  • “Five years is the maximum sentence for a breach of order.”
  • “Twenty dollars is a high price to pay.”
  • “Two weeks is the usual vacation in this country.”
  • “Three hours feels like an eternity when you have nothing to do.”

• 'The number of' takes a singular verb.
  • "The number of online customers is increasing."
  • "The number of road accidents is causing great concern.
  • "The number of guests was quite small."

• Collective nouns take singular verbs.
  • “The majority is in favour of the proposal.”
  • “Our team is the best.”
  • “The whole family is happy.”
  • "The crowd was angry and hostile."

• Uncountable nouns such as 'information', baggage', 'equipment', etc. take singular verbs.
  • “More information is available at the reception.”
  • “All baggage is stored here.”
  • "Advice is given at the information desk when necessary."

• Some nouns appear to be plural but are singular and take singular verbs, for example 'gymnastics', 'news', 'physics', 'politics', etc.
  • “The latest news is reassuring.”
  • “Gymnastics is fun to watch.”
  • "Physics is a difficult subject for many students."

• Nouns that are joined by 'and' take a plural verb:
  • “Tom and Harry have arrived home safely.”
  • “Sugar and eggs are needed for the recipe.”

• Nouns with no singular form such as 'sunglasses', scissors', etc. take plural verbs.
  • “These scissors are rusty.”
  • “Caroline's sunglasses are very fashionable.”

• 'Several', 'many', 'both', 'few', 'a few' take plural verbs.
  • “Several/many/most/both employees are aware of the danger.”
  • “Few/a few people went to the beach today.”

• 'A number of' takes a plural verb.
  • "A number of customers are complaining about slow delivery."
  • "A number of people are waiting for the bus."
  • "A number of social problems are caused by unemployment."

• 'One of ' takes a plural verb.
  • "The guide indicated one of the few hotels that serve meals."
  • "The book is one of those novels that owe their success to social networks."
  • "She is one of the many patients who need special care."