Subject Verb Agreement Flashcards
Every one of the shirts has a green collar.
Every one of the shirts have a green color
Every one of the shirts has a green collar.
Explanation: The pronoun one is singular and requires singular verbs. Do not be misled by the object of the preposition.
This singer, along with a few others, plays the harmonica on stage.
This singer, along with a few others, play the harmonica on stage.
This singer, along with a few others, plays the harmonica on stage.
Explanation: Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by words such asalong with, as well as, besides,ornot. Ignore these expressions when determining whether to use a singular or plural verb.
Sandals and towels are essential gear for a trip to the beach.
Sandals and towels is essential gear for a trip to the beach.
Sandals and towels are essential gear for a trip to the beach.
Explanation: two subjects connected byandrequire a plural verb.
The president or the vice president is speaking today.
The president or the vice president are speaking today.
The president or the vice president is speaking today.
Explanation: two singular subjects connected byorrequire a singular verb.
Either Cassie or Marie pays the employees this afternoon.
Either Cassir or Marie pay the employees this afternoon
Either Cassie or Marie pays the employees this afternoon.
Explanation: two singular subjects connected byor, either/or,orneither/norrequire a singular verb.
Either the sculpture or the paintings are in the museum today.
Either the sculpture or the paintings is in the museum today.
Either the sculpture or the paintings are in the museum today.
Explanation: when a singular and plural subject are connected byor, either/or,orneither/nor, the verb agrees with the subject closer to it.
The coat or the hats are in that closet.
The coat or the hats is in the closet.
The coat or the hats are in that closet
Explanation: when a singular and plural subject are connected by or, either/or, or neither/nor, the verb agrees with the subject closer to it.
Neither she nor I am getting the lunch special.
Neither she nor I are getting the lunch special.
Neither she nor I am getting the lunch special.
when a singular and plural subject are connected by or, either/or, or neither/nor, the verb agrees with the subject closer to it.
Each of the dancers twirls brilliantly.
Each of the dancers twirl brilliantly
Each of the dancers twirls brilliantly.
Explanation: The pronouneachis singular and requires singular verbs. Do not be misled by the object of the preposition.
Mustard greens are my favorite vegetable.
Mustard greens is my favorite vegetable
Mustard greens are my favorite vegetable.
Explanation: the subject, “Mustard greens,” is plural and requires the plural verb “are.”
Everybody at the party was enjoying the food.
Everybody at the party were enjoying the food
Everybody at the party was enjoying the food.
Explanation: the pronouneverybodyis singular and requires singular verbs.
