Agreement Flashcards
25 Most Prevalent Perplexities and Controversies (from Einsohn)
Name the 3 principles of subject-verb agreement.
-
formal (or grammatical) agreement
a singular subject requires a singular verb; a plural subject requires a plural verb -
notional concord
when number of subject is uncertain or when overt grammatical form conflicts w/ intended meaning, we rely on the verb that matches the meaning, not the overt grammatical form.
Fifty pages of manuscript is a day’s worth of work. -
attraction (or proximity)
verb takes the form of the closest subject
For those who attended the second day of the annual meeting, there was an early morning panel and afternoon workshops.
What is the elementary principle of subject-verb agreement?
The grammatical subject determines the number of the verb.
Thus
Nouns that appear in the predicate have no bearing on the number of the main verb
The only SIGN of Christmas WAS the stocking on the mantel
The only sign of Christmas (was, were) the stocking on the mantel.
WAS
- Only the grammatical subject determines the number of the verb.
- Nouns that appear in the predicate have no bearing on the number of the main verb
A pair of singular nouns joined by AND requires a (singular, plural) verb.
What are the two exceptions?
PLURAL
- appositive nouns joined by AND
- Nouns joined by AND that form a collective idea or unitary whole.
Such an injustice and inequity (is, are) intolerable.
IS
Rule: APPOSITIVE NOUNS joined by and are treated as singular.
Bacon and eggs (is, are) her favorite breakfast.
IS
Rule: Nouns joined by and to form a COLLECTIVE IDEA or UNITARY WHOLE are singular.
Consumer and business confidence (remains, remain) high.
REMAIN
Remain is plural even though confidence is singular, because of the ELLIPTICAL CONSTRUCTION of the compound subject, i.e., the subject is “consumer [confidence] and business confidence.” To use a singular verb would imply that there is an entity known as “consumer and business confidence.
For copyeditors, a style manual, as well as a dictionary, (is, are) useful.
IS
When a singular verb sounds better, use commas to set off the as well as phrase.
When a plural verb sounds better, do not set off the as well as phrase with commas.
A style manual as well as a dictionary (is, are) always on his desk.
ARE
When a singular verb sounds better, use commas to set off the as well as phrase.
When a plural verb sounds better, do not set off the as well as phrase with commas.
A host of competitive offers (has, have) been received.
HAVE
Collecting noun phrases usually take a plural verb
although
they may take a singular verb when the collecting noun (rather than the items being collected) imposes itself as the main idea.
A fraction of the students (is, are) causing the disruptions.
ARE
RULE: Collecting noun phrases usually take a plural verb
although
they may take a singular verb when the collecting noun (rather than the items being collected) imposes itself as the main idea.
A rash of glitches (has/have) slowed production.
HAS or HAVE
Collecting noun phrases usually take a plural verb
although
they may take a singular verb when the collecting noun (rather than the items being collected) imposes itself as the main idea.
A set of keys (is, are) on the desk.
IS
Collecting noun phrases usually take a plural verb
although
they may take a singular verb when the collecting noun (rather than the items being collected) imposes itself as the main idea.
Do you think that three cars (is, are) enough for one family?
IS
Rule: COLLECTIVE IDEA
The notionalist view is the norm: No matter the grammatical form a collective idea takes, it requires a singular verb.
Eight hundred words (is,are) at least one hundred words too long.
IS
Rule: COLLECTIVE IDEA
Collective ideas always require a singular verb.
The notionalist view is the norm: No matter the grammatical form a collective idea takes, it requires a singular verb.
A physician’s overarching objective and mission (is, are) to do no harm.
IS
Rule: COLLECTIVE IDEA
Collective ideas always require a singular verb.
The notionalist view is the norm: No matter the grammatical form a collective idea takes, it requires a singular verb.
The couple (is, are) in therapy.
IS
RULE: Collective noun
Collective nouns are singular when the members of the collectivity are deemed to be acting as a group, plural when the members are acting as individuals
Collective nouns: class, committee, couple, jury, team, etc.
The couple (disagrees, disagree) about money.
DISAGREE
RULE: Collective noun
Collective nouns are singular when the members of the collectivity are deemed to be acting as a group, plural when the members are acting as individuals
Collective nouns: class, committee, couple, jury, team, etc.
Right or wrong? Revise if necessary.
The orchestra are tuning their instruments.
Awkward
Technically right per the rule governing collecting nouns (use plural when members of collective are acting as individuals)
but AWKWARD here. (The use of the plural occasionally sounds awkward.)
Preferable: The members of the orchestra are tuning their instruments.
The recent divestiture, combined with rising costs, (is, are) expected to affect profits.
IS
Rule: COMBINED WITH; COUPLED WITH
Phrases headed by combined with or coupled with are set off by commas and do not affect the number of the main verb.
The two sides are deadlocked in negotiations, and each (has, have) offered few concessions.
HAS
Rule: EACH
The pronoun each takes a singular verb, even when its antecedent is plural.
We each (is, are) entitled to our own opinions.
ARE
Rule: EACH
When the adjective each follows a plural noun, the verb is plural.
Each of these arguments (is, are) well reasoned.
IS
Rule: EACH OF
Each of is usually followed by a singular verb, although the plural is sometimes used.
Each of these principles (has, have) stood the test of time.
HAVE
Rule: EACH OF
Each of is usually followed by a singular verb, although the plural is sometimes used.
Two-thirds of the work (is, are) done.
IS
Rule: FRACTIONS
In such constructions as “two-thirds of the x,” the verb agrees with x (“work”).
Two-thirds of the guests (is, are) here.
ARE
Rule: FRACTIONS
In such constructions as “two-thirds of the x,” the verb agrees with x (“guests”).
Also in the employee handbook (is, are) procedures for submitting expense vouchers.
ARE
Rule: inverted word order
Although the verb precedes the subject (“procedures”), the subject determines the number of the verb.
Eighty-five dollars (is, are) too high.
IS
Rule: Amounts of money are singular when a specific sum is named, plural when the sum is vague.
Billions of dollars (was, were) wasted, and millions (is, are) unaccounted for.
were, are
Rule: Amounts of money are singular when a specific sum is named, plural when the sum is vague.
Neither the president nor the secretary (was, were) at the meeting.
WAS
RULE: Formalists insists that a pair of singular nouns joined by neither…nor is singular.
but
notionalists allow the pair to be treated as singular or plural, depending on the emphasis desired.
Neither the president nor the secretary were at the meeting.
None of the workers (is, are) here.
ARE
When the noun following none of is singular, the verb is singular.
When the noun following none of is plural (“workers”), either a singular or a plural is acceptable.
None of these books (seems, seem) appropriate for this course.
seems [or seem]
When the noun following none of is plural (“workers”), either a singular or a plural is acceptable.
One in two marriages (ends, end) in divorce.
ENDS
Rule: One in x
Formalists recommend a singular verb, arguing that “one” is the subject.
One in five children (is, are) not covered by health insurance.
IS [or ARE]
Formalists recommend a singular verb, arguing that “one” is the subject.
BUT
Notionalists allow for a singular or a plural verb.
Mlynar, one of the few non-Russians who (knows, know) Grachev well, denies the report.
KNOW
Rule: One of those x who…
Formalists insist on a plural verb, arguing that “those x”—not “one”—is the subject of the verb.
Notionalists hold out for a singular verb.
The controversy over this rages on, leaving copyeditors free to use either.
Heavy editing OR rewriting (is, are) not needed.
IS
A pair of nouns joined by or almost always takes a singular verb.
His presence OR absence (is, are) irrelevant to the proceedings.
IS
A pair of nouns joined by or almost always takes a singular verb.
HOWEVER
On rare occasions (as here), the intended meaning requires a plural verb.
This (is, are) many ways to approach the problem.
ARE
In the constructions there is and there are, the verb agrees with the ANTICIPATED SUBJECT.
Thirty minutes (is, are) too long a commute.
IS
The singular verb is used when referring to a period of time.
The 1950s (is, are) often regarded as a golden age for television.
IS
The singular verb is used when referring to a period of time.
Due to bad weather, the flight to Toronto (may, might) be delayed, and it (may, might) be canceled.
may…might
Rule: Both might and may are used to describe unlikely future events, with might denoting less certainty.
He (may, might) have won the election, had he been a better debator
MIGHT
Might have is used to denote a counterfactual past event (that is, an event that did not take place).
He (may, might) have won the election; the absentee votes are still being counted.
MAY
Rule: May have is used to denote a speculation about a past event.
Comprise is a synonym for…
include, embrace, or take in
Compose is a synonym for…
constitute
The parts are (composed, comprised) in the whole.
comprised
The parts are (composed, comprised) in the whole.
comprised
Remeber: Comprise is a synonym for include, embrace, or take in
The parts (compose, comprise) the whole.
COMPOSE
Compose is a synonym for “constitute”
What is the fundamental rule of pronoun-antecedent agreement?
All pronouns much have a clear, unambiguous antecedent and must agree with that antecedent in number and gender.
Everyone took (his, her, their) seat.
THEIR
Rule: Use the plural pronoun after an indefinite pronoun subject (everyone, anyone, someone, no one, etc.).
Find and fix fault:
The governor described his health-care proposal to an enthusiastic crown. It was one of the best-attended campaign rallies of the year.
Fault: AWOL antecedent
“It” is meant to refer to “rally,” which is nowhere to be found in preceding sentence.
Revision: The governor described his health-care proposal…at one of the…
Or: The governor described…to an enthusiastic crown. The campaign rally was one of the best-attended campaign rallies of the year.
Smith is the candidate (who, whom) we think will win.
WHO (nominative case)
[We think he will win (nominative case) >> the candidate who we think will win.
Rule: When who introduces a subordinate clause, the correct case of who depends on its function in that subordinate clause.
Jones is the candidate (who, whom) we hope to elect.
WHOM (objective case)
[We hope to elect him (objective case) >> the candidate whom we hope to elect.]
Rule: When who introduces a subordinate clause, the correct case of who depends on its function in that subordinate clause.
This book offers sounds advice to (whoever, whomever) will accept it.
WHOEVER (nominative)
Whoever functions as the subject of “will accept.” The object of the preposition to is the entire clause.
Rule: When who introduces a subordinate clause, the correct case of who depends on its function in that subordinate clause.
ID the verbs and rule governing:
1) Do you mind me asking a question?
2) Do you mind my asking a question?
1) Fused participle (pronoun + gerund [i.e. verbal noun])
2) Possessive pronoun + gerund
Rule: When the stress falls on the person, the fused participle may be used; when the stress falls equally well, or better, on the action expressed by the participle, the possessive casse must be used.
Find the fault:
Since the state has spent so much money on prisons, the education budget has suffered.
SINCE
It is ambiguous whether temporal or causal meaning of since is intended.
Best to choose another conjunction.
Place the following causal conjunction by strength:
- since
- because
- as
- because
- since
- as
Find the fault:
As the rain continued into the evening, Pat felt remorse.
AS
Ambiguous conjunction: Is it temporal or causal?
Rule: Confine the causal as to sentences in which there is no possibility it will be mistaken for the temporal as.
Find the fault:
As the parts are no longer available, the entire unit has to be replaced.
AS
The causal as is a weak indicator of causality; it is do lightweight when the cause-and-effect relation concerns a matter of any import.
The preposition into is used with verbs of motion to indicate…
- entry go into the building
- involvement go into teaching
- condition get into trouble
- extent far into the night
They turned themselves (into, in to) the police.
in to
Use the adverb in (adverb because it “completes” the meaning of a verb “turned in”) followed by the preposition to, which links the verb to an indirect object (“the police”).
We refused to give (into, in to) his demands.
in to
Use the adverb in (adverb because it “completes” the meaning of a verb “give in”) followed by the preposition to, which links the verb to an indirect object (“the his demands”).
Find and fix the fault:
She started panicking and got stressed out because she doesn’t have enough money.
Fault: Tense shift from main clause to subordinate when referring to same time period.
Fix: She started panicking and got stressed out because she didn’t have enough money.
Find and fix the fault:
The new law requires the public school system to abandom any programs that involved bilingual students.
Fault: Tense shift from main clause to subordinate when referring to same time period.
Fix: The new law requires the public school system to abandom any programs that involve bilingual students.
Stick to a consistent vantage point!
Find and fix the fault:
People express themselves more when their comments are delivered through the Internet rather than personally.
Fault: Perspective shift: flip-flop between active and passive voice.
Fix: People express themselves more when they deliver their comments through the Internet rather than personally.
The following sequence of tenses is an example of what principle?
I mentioned that I was thirsty.
backshifting
What are the three types of compounds?
open (think tank)
closed (jackknife)
hyphenated (mind-set)
homemade (i.e. no dictionary entry) compounds that are placed before a noun are known as——
How are they punctuated?
PREPOSITIVE
hyphenated
e.g., forward-thinking editors
Homemade/temporary (i.e., not in the dictionary) compounds that appear after the noun are referred to as——
How are they punctuated?
POSTPOSITIVE
They are left open (no hyphens)
e.g., editors who are forward thinking
compare to the prepositive
forward-thinking editors
Which is correct?
(a) A happily married spouse
(b) A happily-married spouse
(a) a happily married spouse
Rule: Compound adjectives composed of adverb ending in “ly” and an adjective or participle standing in for an adjective do not take a hyphen (pre- or postpositively)
Which is correct:
(a) a well-read woman
(b) a well read woman
(a) a well-read woman
Compound adjectives composed of an adverb that does not end in “-ly” and an adjective or participle standing in for an adjective always use a hyphen
Which is correct?
(a) a rather-awkward moment
(b) a rather awkward moment
(a) a rather-awkward moment
Compound adjectives composed of an adverb that does not end in “-ly” and an adjective or participle standing in for an adjective always use a hyphen
Which is correct:
(a) an extremely well-read woman
(b) an extremely well read woman
(b) an extremely well read woman
Per Chicago, when a hyphenated compound adjective is further modified by an adverb, the original compound hyphen is sometimes dropped to avoid possible misreading.
Which compound adjective is correct?
(a) pre-Industrial Revolution machinery
(b) pre-Industrial-Revolution machinery
(c) pre–Industrial Revolution machinery
(c) pre–Industrial Revolution machinery
Rule: Compound adjectives composed of compound nouns and prefixes or suffixes call for an EN DASH when used as modifiers (to avoid a lot of unsightly hyphens).
Which compound is correct?
(a) Academy-Award-winning actor
(b) Academy Award winning actor
(c) Academy Award–winning actor
(c) Academy Award–winning actor
Rule: Compound adjectives composed of compound nouns and prefixes or suffixes call for an EN DASH when used as modifiers (to avoid a lot of unsightly hyphens).
Which compound adjective is correct?
(a) Pulitzer Prize-gathering news organization
(b) Pulitzer Prize–gathering news organization
(c) Pulitzer-Prize-gathering news organization
(b) Pulitzer Prize–gathering news organization
Rule: Compound adjectives composed of compound nouns and prefixes or suffixes call for an EN DASH when used as modifiers (to avoid a lot of unsightly hyphens).
Note: this does not just apply to proper nouns/adjectives.
Holding our nephew’s sweet-smelling, cuddly body made my husband and (I, me) realize that we wanted a child of our own.
ME
Use the objective case (me) as the subject of an infinitive. In this case, the infinitive is bare–that is, it does not include “to.” The way to read it is “…made us [to] realize…”
The compound subject might give writers trouble, so the easy way to figure out whether to use I or me is to substitute we or us.
He said that surgeries and therapy had helped him not only [to recover from his fall], but had also [freed him of the debilitating back pain].
Fault: Miscoordination
He said that surgeries and therapy had not only [helped him to recover from his fall], but also [freed him of the debilitating back pain].
- In this sentence the coordinates come in matched pairs, with a quantifier (both, either, neither, not only) marking the first coordinate and a coordinator (and, or, nor, but also) marking the second.*
- Rule: The phrases following coordinations much be PARALLEL.*
- In the original sentence, there’s an infinitive (to recover) in the first coordinate and a past participle (freed) in the second.*
- FIX: The easiest way to repair an unbalanced coordination is to zero in on the second coordinate and then force the first coordinate to match it by sliding its quantifier into a more suitable spot. [source: Pinker p.96]*
With Mr. Ruto’s appearance before the court, a process began that could influence not only [the future of Kenya] but also [of the much-criticized tribunal].
With Mr. Ruto’s appearance before the court, a process began that could influence the future not only [of Kenya] but also [of the much-criticized tribunal].
Fault: Miscoordination
Rule: The phrases following coordinations much be PARALLEL.
In this sentence the coordinates come in matched pairs, with a quantifier (both, either, neither, not only) marking the first coordinate and a coordinator (and, or, nor, but also) marking the second.
In the original sentence, we have a direct object (the future of Kenya) in the first coordinate and an oblique object (of the much criticized tribunal) in the second.
FIX: The easiest way to repair an unbalanced coordination is to zero in on the second coordinate and then force the first coordinate to match it by sliding its quantifier into a more suitable spot–rightward in this example. [source: Pinker p.97]
Ms. Popova, who died at 91 on July 8 in Moscow, was inspired both [by patriotism] and [a desire for revenge].
Ms. Popova, who died at 91 on July 8 in Moscow, was inspired by both [patriotism] and [a desire for revenge].
Fault: Miscoordination; mismatched objects (by patriotism and a desire for revenge)
Repair in either of two ways: by nudging not only rightward (thus: patriotism and a desire for revenge) or by suplyingthe second coordinate with a by to match the first one (by patriotism and by a desire for revenge)
I don’t remember the moment I first heard of “Mrs. Bridge”; it was one of those books that was in my house, and therefore my consciousness, when I was growing up.
The relative pronoun “that” refers to the plural “books,” not the singular “one.”
So make it “one of those books that WERE in my house.”
Or, simplify it: “one of the books in my house.”
It’s funny and also somewhat depressing, which pretty much sums up “The Room,” one of those cultish attractions that is so terrible it makes you wonder if the laugh finally is on us.
“…one of those cultish attractions that ARE so terrible THEY MAKE you wonder if…”
The relative pronoun “that” is plural in a “one of those” construction–it’s antecedent is “attractions.”
Missouri is one of several states that has had trouble procuring drugs for lethal injection, as manufacturers have declined to sell drugs to correctional facilities.
… one of several states that HAVE …
The relative clause describes “several states,” not just “one.”
After receiving his doctorate at Princeton, the university hired him as assistant professor and promoted him to full professor in 1965.
After he received his doctorate…the university…
Fault: Dangler
The introductory modifying phrase is a so-called dangler. In precise usage, “receiving” should apply to the noun (or pronoun) immediately following the modifying phrase. But here it doesn’t — the university did not receive a doctorate. One simple fix is to make the initial phrase a separate clause with its own subject “After he received …”
The only criteria is that the player played for five season, made one All-Pro team or pro bowl and has been retired for five full seasons.
“Criteria” is plural. Make it “The only criteria are … ”
The singular of “criteria” is “criterium.”
What is the key to avoiding errors of subject-verb agreement?
Knowing (1) how to pick out the subject for every verb and (2) how to tell whether that subject is singular or plural.
Compound subjects joined by and take a singular or plural verb?
PLURAL
My pad is on the desk
BUT
My pad and pencil are on the desk.
When do compound subjects most frequently pose problems of agreement?
In an inverted sentence order, i.e. when the verb precedes the subject.
How important to your operation ARE your West Coast office and your Washington bureau?
TIP: Train yourself to check the subject-verb agreement whenever you use an inverted sentence order.
If you mentally put the subject before the verb, any mistake should become apparent.
Enclosed [is, are] my application and a check for the fee.
ARE
When writers invert the normal order, putting the verb before the subject, they sometimes fail to prepare for a double subject.
Also on my list of all-time great comedies [is, are] A Night at the Opera and Tight Little Island.
ARE
[Does/Do] an orange and a grapefruit have the same number of calories?
DO
You usually have to plan ahead for compound subjects in asking questions, since the verb usually precedes the subject in an interogative sentence.
[Has/Have] the domestic unrest and the international opposition begun to affect government policy?
HAVE
You usually have to plan ahead for compound subjects in asking questions, since the verb usually precedes the subject in an interogative sentence.
TIP: Train yourself to check the subject-verb agreement whenever you use an inverted sentence order. If you mentally put the subject before the verb, any mistake should become apparent.
There [is, are] a police officer at the front door and two reporters at the back.
ARE
Pay particular attention to INVERTED CLAUSES that begin with there and a singular verb form (there is/was/seems); make sure that the subject that follows doesn’t need a plural verb.
but, if grammar requires a form that sounds awkward, recast the sentence. For instance:
There are two reporters at the back door and a police officer at the front.
There [seems/seem] to be at least one factual error and several false assumptions in this report.
SEEM
Pay particular attention to INVERTED CLAUSES that begin with there and a singular verb form (there is/was/seems); make sure that the subject that follows doesn’t need a plural verb.
One crucially important linkage and desperately needed collegial contact [is, are] between community college teachers and the university faculty.
The compound subject arguably consists of two words designating one idea and so should take a singular verb, despite being joined by and.
The trial and conviction of Alger Hiss [is, are] becoming as much a cause celebre as the Sacco and Venzetti case.
IS
The compound subject arguably consists of two words designating one idea and so should take a singular verb, despite being joined by and.
but
Note that ideas can be closely related and yet distinct; any doubt on this issue should incline you toward a plural verb.
His education and background [gives, give] him an important advantage in dealing with academics.
GIVE
Note that ideas can be closely related and yet distinct; any doubt about whether a compound subject joined by and forms a single concept/idea should incline you toward a plural verb.
George Eliot understood how much resentment and suppressed rage there [was, were] in women.
WERE
Note that ideas can be closely related and yet distinct; any doubt about whether a compound subject joined by and forms a single concept/idea should incline you toward a plural verb. (Cook p78)
The strength of the dollar abroad, along with the rising costs of domestic resorts, have made European travel attractive to American vacationers.
Fault: subject-verb disagreement
HAS
When a singular noun is followed by a prepositional phrase like together with, along with, as well as, always use a singular verb.
Note: A preposition cannot substitute for the conjunction and, which alone can link words to form a compound subject. Plus, the object of a preposition cannot be the subject of a verb.
A coordinating conjunction like and joins sentence elements of equal grammatical weight; a preposition shows the subordinate relation its object bears to some other sentence element.
The senator, together with several advisers, are preparing a bill that would restrict a utility company’s right of eminent domain.
Fault: S-V disagreement.
IS
Note: A preposition cannot substitute for the conjunction and, which alone can link words to form a compound subject. Plus, the object of a preposition cannot be the subject of a verb.
A coordinating conjunction like and joins sentence elements of equal grammatical weight; a preposition shows the subordinate relation its object bears to some other sentence element.
The jewelery [was/were] hidden in the refrigerator; all [is, are] accounted for despite the burglary.
was…is
Rule: all may take either a singular or plural verb depending on whether is refers to a
plural count noun >> plural
or
noncount noun >> singular
Does all take a singular or plural verb?
A: depends on whether the noun it refers to is a
plural count noun (How many?)
or
noncount noun (How much?)
Does any take a singular or plural verb?
A: depends on whether the noun it refers to is a
plural count noun (How many?)
or
noncount noun (How much?)
All they saw [was/were] trees.
was
When a noun phrase with all is the subject of a linking verb, the linking verb is singular even if its object is plural.
Does any take a singular or a plural verb?
Depends on the meaning:
- Any “any single one”>>singular
- Any “some”>>plural
[Do/does] any of use have the right to judge?
Does
- Any* takes a singular or plural verb depending on meaning:
1. “any single one”>>singular
2. “some”>>plural
A style manual as well as a dictionary [is/are] always on his desk.
…, as well as a dictionary, is…
as well as a dictionary are
Rule: When a singular verb sounds better, use commas to set off the “as well as…” phrase.
Each reflect(s) a different view of what constitutes the good life.
reflects (singular)
Rule: The pronoun each takes a singular verb regardless of the number of its antecedent.
The two sides are deadlocked in negotiations, and each has/have offered few concessions
HAS
Rule: The pronoun each takes a singular verb regardless of the number of its antecedent.
Each of these arguments is/are well reasoned.
IS
RULE: Each of. Though notional agreement is OK in informal writing, in formal writing, always stick with formal agreement and use the singular.
Each of these principles has/have stood the test of time.
HAS
RULE: Each of. Though notional agreement is OK in informal writing, in formal writing, always stick with formal agreement and use the singular.
Correct? Fix if not.
Either he or I am responsible.
Yes, technically. When personal pronouns are joined by either/or, a singular verb must be used. But it’s better to recast the sentence:
Either he is responsible, or I am.
Not only high winds but also the flooding is/are wreaking havoc.
IS
Rule: The subject that follows but also determines the number of the verb.
Not only the flooding but also the high winds is/are wreaking havoc.
ARE
Rule: The subject that follows but also determines the number of the verb.
The au pair or the parents take(s) the children to the park.
TAKE
Rule: When OR joins one singular and one plural subject, the verb agrees with the nearer subject.
He or I am/is going to the grocery store.
AM
Rule: The verb agrees in person and number with the nearer subject. BUT, rephrase when awkward:
He is going to the grocery store, or I am.
One of us is going to the grocery store.
The 1950s is/are often regarded as a golden age for television.
IS
Rule: Use a singular verb when referring to
periods of time.
It was one of those blows that knocks the stufing out of a man.
KNOCK (sing.)
The antecedent of the relative pronoun that is blows not one.
