In simply constructed sentences, this rule is easy to apply.
- The dog runs like the wind.
- The dogs run upon hearing their master call their names.
Things can get tricky when complex words and phrases come into play. Here are a few pointers to help you select the right form of verbs to use in your sentences.
When the subject is composed of noun phrases connected by and, use the plural verb form.
- Harry and I play tennis every day.
When and is followed by not, the verb agrees with the first noun phrase.
- Cooperation and not conflict is what our country needs.
When the noun phrase is taken as a single unit, use the singular verb form. These noun phrases are idiomatic constructions.
- Graft and corruption is a problem in almost all nations.
When the subject is composed of noun phrases connected by or, the verb agrees with the nearer noun phrase.
- Either he or you are picking me up from school today.
When the auxiliary verb do is used, it is the one that agrees with the subject, and not the main verb.
- He knows who his father is.
- He does not know who his father is.
Collective nouns are considered singular; use the singular verb form.
- A deck of cards is what we need.
a. If the collective noun references the members of the group individually, it is considered plural; use the plural verb form.
- The staff is quite efficient.
- The staff, composed of both expats and locals, are always happy to serve you.
Noncount nouns are nouns that do not have a plural form, such as advice, food, and mathematics. They always take a singular verb.
- Advice is freely given.
- Linguistics was his favorite subject.
The indefinite pronouns everyone, everybody, everything, much, and little are singular and require a singular verb.
- In our town, everyone is friendly.
The indefinite pronouns all, most, and some may be singular or plural. Make them agree the nouns that they refer to.
- All of the food is rich in fiber.
- All of the tables are made of wood.
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