Subject–Verb Agreement: 12 Exam Rules
Use the correct verb by identifying the real subject rather than being distracted by nearby words.
1. Core Rule
Singular subject → singular verb; plural subject → plural verb. Ignore intervening phrases.
2. AND
Two separate subjects joined by and usually take a plural verb. When the pair expresses one idea or one unit, a singular verb may be used.
3. WITH / AS WELL AS
With, along with, together with, as well as, accompanied by do not change the number of the first subject.
4. OR / NOR
With either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, the verb generally agrees with the nearer subject.
5. EACH / EVERY / ONE
Each, every, everyone, someone, anybody and similar forms take singular verbs.
6. Collective Nouns
A collective noun can be singular when the group acts as one unit; context may allow plural agreement when individual members are emphasised.
7. A Number / The Number
A number of students are...; The number of students is...
8. One of / Uncountables
One of + plural noun takes a singular verb. Uncountable nouns such as furniture, equipment and information normally take singular verbs.
9. Plural-looking Singulars
Subjects such as mathematics, physics, economics and news are generally singular in ordinary exam usage.
10. Many a / Fractions
Many a student has... Fractions take the number of the noun after of: two-thirds of the students are; two-thirds of the work is.
11. 10-Second MCQ Method
- Underline the real subject.
- Cross out with/as well as phrases.
- Check AND/OR/NOR.
- Check each/every/one.
- Check “a number/the number” and fractions.
12. Quick Revision
AND = usually plural; WITH = first subject; OR/NOR = nearer subject; EACH/ONE = singular; A NUMBER = plural; THE NUMBER = singular; MANY A = singular; fraction = noun after OF.