Rules-meaning

Rule 1

A Singular Subject Takes a Singular Verb

Rule 2

A Plural Subject Takes a Plural Verb

Rule 3

Subjects Joined by and Usually Take a Plural Verb

Rule 3 Exception

When the two nouns refer to one person or one thing, use a singular verb.

Rule 4

Subjects Joined by or, nor, either...or, neither...nor Agree with the Subject Closest to the Verb

Rule 5

Indefinite Pronouns That Are Always Singular Take Singular Verbs

Rule 6

Indefinite Pronouns That Are Always Plural Take Plural Verbs

Rule 7

Indefinite Pronouns That Can Be Singular or Plural Depend on the Noun Following "of"

Rule 8

Collective Nouns Usually Take Singular Verbs

Rule 9

Collective Nouns Take Plural Verbs When Members Act Individually

Rule 10

Words Between the Subject and Verb Do Not Affect Agreement

Rule 11

Titles of Books, Movies, Songs, and Works Are Singular

Rule 12

Amounts of Time, Money, Distance, and Measurement Are Singular When Considered One Unit

Rule 13

Fractions and Percentages Depend on the Noun They Refer To

Rule 14

Expressions Like together with, along with, as well as, accompanied by Do Not Make the Subject Plural

Rule 15

There is/There are Agree with the Real Subject

Rule 16

Every and Each Before Compound Subjects Require Singular Verbs

Rule 17

Plural-Looking Nouns That Are Singular Take Singular Verbs

Rule 18

Nouns Always Plural Take Plural Verbs

Rule 19

Nouns That Are the Same in Singular and Plural Depend on Meaning

Rule 20

"A Number of" vs. "The Number of"

Rule 21

Subjects Introduced by "One of the..." Take Singular Verbs

Rule 22

Gerunds and Infinitives Used as Subjects Take Singular Verbs

Rule 23

Who, Which, and That Agree with Their Antecedent