Page 65 - New Grammar with a Smile 8

Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement

1. If two or more singular nouns or pronouns are joined by and, a plural verb is to be
used. For example,

• Ram and Shyam are friends.
• Honesty and bravery are virtues.
• Their car and house have been sold to my friend.

But sometimes, plural nouns or two singular nouns joined by and suggest a single
person, thing or idea.

Then the verb used should be singular. For example,
• A great poet and essayist has died. (The same person is being referred to.)
• Bread and butter is my favourite breakfast. (Considered as a single item)

• Ten kilometres is a good distance. (The distance is being referred to.)
• Gulliver’s Travels is an interesting story. (The title of the book.)
• Sales and marketing of products depends on their quality.
(Taken as a single entity.)

• The United States is a big country. (Taken as a single entity.)

2. A singular noun joined to another singular or plural noun by with, along with,
as well as, takes a singular verb. For example,
• She, along with her friends, is joining us shortly.
• The bus, with all its passengers, seems to be veering off the road.

• Mala, as well as her sisters, is interested in buying this property.
3. A singular noun joined to another singular noun by or or nor takes a singular
verb and the verb agrees with the noun closer to it. For example,

• They or their sister has contacted the manager.
• Neither Siddartha nor I am going to help you.
• Either you or he has broken the glass.

If one of the nouns joined by or or nor is plural, the verb used should be plural
and the plural noun should be kept closer to the verb. For example,
• Either you or your assistants have to be blamed for this failure.

• Neither Meera nor her parents were called to attend the meeting.

4. Each, everyone, either, neither, many a are followed by a singular verb.
For example,
• Either boy has got experience.
• Neither of us was able to control the situation.
• Each of them has left without permission.

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