CN _______________ DATE ___________ SCORE _________

NAME ____________________________________________________ TEACHER ________________________

YEAR AND SECTION _________________________________________ SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT 1
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In grammar the word agreement means likeness. To make two words agree is to make them alike in
some respect. Words may agree in number, gender and case.
NUMBER: Singular or Plural
GENDER: Masculine, Feminine, Common or Neuter
CASE: Subjective, Objective or Possessive
The most common error in speech is the failure to make subject and verb agree in number. Errors of
agreement in speaking are sometimes difficult to avoid. In writing, these errors are unforgivable because the
writer always has time and opportunity to revise his work before presenting it to a reader.

A. Subject-Verb Agreement in Number

1. There are two numbers in grammar: singular and plural. A noun is usually singular if it does not end in –s and
plural if it ends in –s. A verb in the simple present tense; however, ends in –s if it is singular and does not end in
–s (also known as the base form) if it is plural.
A singular verb is used with a singular subject and a plural verb is used with a plural verb.
In the simple present tense, a singular subject takes the –s form of the verb while a plural subject takes the
base form of the verb.
Examples: The cat (singular) likes liver The teacher works hard
The cats (plural) like liver The teachers work hard
2. A verb also agrees with its subject in person. When there are two or more subjects that differ in person joined
by either-or or neither-nor, the verb agrees with the subject nearer to it.
Examples: Either Al or I am invited to the party
Neither you nor I am invited
3. The Personal Pronouns You and I are special.
Present Past
I am (not I is) I was (Indicative mood); I were (subjunctive mood)
You are (not is) You were (not you was)

4. The forms of the verb BE are as follows:

Present Past
Singular Plural Singular Plural
Am, Is are was were

5. HAS is present singular; HAVE is present plural; HAD is past form for both singular and plural.
Examples: The actors have a lot to memorize.
The actor has a lot to memorize.

6. DOES and DOESN’T are present singular; DO and DON’T are present plural. DID and DIDN’T are past forms for
both singular and plural.
Examples: The husband does give his wife flowers on their wedding anniversary.
Most husbands do not give their wives flowers on special occasions.
 Exercise 1: Underline the subject then circle the correct form of the verb in the parentheses
1. Overhead fans (was, were) circulating the warm air.
2. My turtle (live, lives) exclusively on flies.
3. An artesian well (provide, provides) all the water we need.
4. I (object, objects) to doing manual labor.
5. The stainless steel pans (last, lasts) for a lifetime.
6. A wood stove (is, are) their only source of heat.
7. Some people (prefer, prefers) to dine at home.
8. Thick wool (is, are) sheared from the sheep.
9. We (jog, jogs) daily along the paths of in the park.
10. The roses (was, were) soft yellow.

B. Plural Words Between Subject and Verb

7. The verb agrees with the subject, not with the intervening phrases which usually begin with together with,
along with, as well as, and with
Examples: The president, together with his aides, was studying the matter.
Your dress, as well as your manners, is important.
The revolution, led by a group of guerillas, has been won
The pears on that old tree are not edible.

Exercise 2: Underline the subject that agrees with the verb and circle the right verb from those given
in the parentheses.
1. When (was, were) you at the doctor’s office?
2. Is it true that one of the passengers (was, were) killed?
3. (Is, Are) the book reports due this week or next?
4. The teacher, as well as the class (was, were) surprised by Betty’s report.
5. The pilot, in addition to the crew, (has, have) your comfort and safety in mind.
6. The age of the huge trees (is, are) hard to believe.
7. The high cost of repairs always (come, comes) as a surprise.
8. The lights at the store window (is, are) turned off at night.
9. The decision of the umpires (were, was) hotly disputed.
10. The danger of floods on the Pasig River (has, have) been exaggerated.
11. It is now thought that Saturn as well as Mars (has, have) some form of life.
12. The scientist’s report, together with the photographs, (is, are) very convincing.
13. The older members of the local school board (want, wants) to build a new building.
14. The lights in the valley down below (look, looks) like tiny jewels.
 15. The captain of any of our teams ( has, have) a special responsibility.
16. (Was, Were) you home all day?
17. The speed of these new jets (are, is) nearly three times the speed of sound.
18. The sale of the school yearbooks (has, have) been disappointing.

C. Indefinite Pronouns
8. Some indefinite pronouns are always singular. Others are always plural. Some may be either singular or plural,
depending on the of the _____ phrase.
Singular : each, either, neither, one, everyone, everybody, nobody,
anyone, someone, somebody
Plural :several, few, both, many
Singular or plural: some, all, none, any, most
Examples:
Each of the candidates has criticized spending
Has either of you done the homework?
Neither of the buses was full.
Everybody in the fields was working.
Several in this class are good writers
Few in the student government were elected
Both of the point guards are injured.
Some of the cream is sour.
Some of the buildings were being demolished.
Most of the forest was saved from the fire.
Most of his friends are going to the dance.
All of the turkey was eaten in the feast.
All of the English classes are joininging the essay writing contest

Exercise 3: Underline the subject. Circle the right word from the two given in the parenthesis
1. Either of these hats (suit, suits) you
2. Most of the television programs (is, are) boring.
3. Neither of the drivers (was, were) hurt in the accident.
4. One of the violins (is, are) playing off key.
5. Each of the new cars (come, comes) equipped with safety airbags.
6. (Has, Have) either of the busses arrived yet?
7. Obviously, one of the witnesses (is, are) not telling the truth.
8. Some of the teams (has, have) new uniforms.
9. The old houses in this block (is, are) being torn down.
10. Everyone in the stands (was, were) sure a three-point shot had been scored.
11. Few in this school (know, knows) about Helen’s trouble.
12. One of the boats (seem, seems) to have a leak.
 13. Everyone in the pictures (is, are) grinning foolishly.
14. Several of the listeners (has, have) already telephoned the studio.
15. Neither of the patterns (is, are) what I want.

D. Compound Subjects
9. In most cases, subjects joined by and are plural; that is if they refer to two different persons or things.
If the compound subjects joined by and refer to the same person or thing, they are considered singular.
Example: The secretary and the treasurer have been reelected.
(The secretary and the treasurer are two separate persons)
The secretary and treasurer has been reelected.
(The secretary and the treasurer are one and the same person)

10. If the words making up the compound subjects are habitually used together to refer to a single thing,
the subject may be used with a singular verb: bread and butter, macaroni and cheese, etc.

Example: My father’s bread and butter is driving.

Macaroni and cheese is his favorite snacks.

Exercise 4: Write C on the blank if the underlined verb agrees with its subject.
If not, write the correct form of the verb.
_____ 1. Neither the train nor the airlines run on schedule in bad weather.
_____ 2. The chairs and the tables was loaded with packages.
_____ 3. Either Jeff or Bob have been here.
_____ 4. Neither the gloves nor the sweater were the right size.
_____ 5. The gloves and the hat is the same color.
_____ 6. The lifeguard and swimming coach is on duty.
_____ 7. Neither the newspapers nor the radio have reported the full story.
_____ 8. Either the meat or the potatoes is burning.
_____ 9. Both skill and constant practice go into the making of a champion.
_____ 10. Neither the doctor nor the nurses was at the clinic.
_____ 11. Two squirrels and a rabbit was all we saw.
_____ 12. Have either Mr. Byrne or Dr. Jones arrived yet?
_____ 13. Neither the watchman nor the policeman were actually on the job.
_____ 14. Either Jack or your sisters have the books.
_____ 15. The audience and the actors was aware of the trouble backstage.
CN _______________ DATE ___________ SCORE _________
NAME ____________________________________________________ TEACHER ________________________
YEAR AND SECTION _________________________________________ SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT 2
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E. Subject Following Verb
11. The verb precedes the subject if the sentence begins with here, there, what, who, where, when, how and why.
In such case, one must look ahead to the subject in order to decide whether the verb is to be singular or
plural. Some sentences are in the invented form for emphasis. They usually begin with prepositional
phrases.

Substandard: Here’s the skis for Henry.

Standard: Here are the skis for Henry.
Substandard: What is the amendments to the constitution?
Standard: What are the amendments to the constitution?
Substandard: On this stage stand the next president.
Standard: On this stage stands the next president.

F. Predicate Words
12. The linking verb agrees with the subject, not with the predicate word.
Substandard: Hamburgers is his favorite food.
Standard: Hamburgers are his favorite food.
Substandard: Martha’s main interest are horses.
Standard: Martha’s main interest is horses.

Exercise 5: Underline the subjects. Then circle the correct form of the verb in the parentheses.
1. Where (is, are) the stack of papers I put on the desk?
2. (Doesn’t, Don’t) the wind sound wild tonight?
3. Here (is, are) the books you lent to Robin.
4. What (is, are) the name of the mountain ranges between China and Tibet?
5. It seems that there (is, are) too many men named Juan dela Cruz.
6. Hard work and ambition (is, are) not the answer.
7. Money and Power (was, were) Wilson’s goal.
8. The leader of the expedition (doesn’t, don’t) dare to take chances.
9. Sunny days and white beach (is, are) the town’s claim to fame.
10. Up the steps (move, moves) the procession
11. (Don’t, Doesn’t) the buses stop at the corner?
12. Protein and Fats (is, are) the dietary need in Bangladesh.
13. There (is, are) two good hotels outside this town.
14. Down into the cave (go, goes) Didi and Nica.
15. The wax on the floors (make, makes) them dangerously slippery.
16. The biggest difficulty (is, are) inexperience in leadership and indifference to the subordinates.
17. Through this door (passes, pass) the most famous men of our time.
18. What (is, are) the weather predictions for this week?

G. Collective nouns
13. A collective noun names a group of people or things: committee, flock, team, herd, crowd. When a writer refers
to a group acting as one unit, the collective noun is used with a singular verb. When the writer refers to the
individuals in the group acting separately or one by one, the collective noun is used with a plural verb.

Examples: The team were putting on their uniforms (separate actions)

The team was the best in the history of our school. (not were)
The council were debating their proposals. (not was, take note of their)
The council is in emergency session. (not are)

H. Nouns Plural in Form

14. Some nouns are plural in form but singular in meaning: news, mumps, measles. Some words ending in –ics such
as economics, mathematics, civics, politics may be singular if used alone. They become plural if they are
preceded by the, his, some, all, and singular modifiers.

Examples:
Ethics is important in the study of religion and philosophy.
The councilman’s ethics in this matter are questionable
Politics is a fascinating game.
His politics involve only a struggle for power.
Physics was Harry’s most difficult subject.
Susie’s hysterics annoy me.

H. Titles and Groups of Words

15. The title of a book, play, story, or musical composition is used with a singular verb. Such words, even though
plural in form, refer to a single thing.
Examples:
The Philippines is made up of 7107 islands and islets.
Farewell to Arms was written by Ernest Hemmingway.
The Killers is a Hemmingway story
The United Nations is discussing the problem.
Vivaldi’s The Seasons was played by the Philharmonic Orchestra

G. Words of Amount and Time

16. Words or phrases that express periods of time, fractions, weights, measurements, and amounts of money are usually
regarded as singular.
Two hundred pesos is too much to pay for overnight parking.
Two-thirds of the money has been raised.
Five hours seems a long time for that trip.
One hundred kilos of dog food for a single dog is ridiculous.
Exercise 6: Choose the right words from those given in the parentheses.
1. On their hours off duty, the crew (was, were) not allowed to leave the ship.
2. Making their way slowly up the cliff, the relief party (Was,were) nearly at the ledge.
3. Next year, civics (is, are) to be taught in the ninth grade.
4. Politics (is, are) my family’s hobby.
5. Our politics (is, are) necessary in our form of government.
6. The East Indies (was, were) a source of European wealth.
7. All that we need (is, are) time and money.
8. Two-thirds of the crop (was, were) not even harvested.
9. Two-thirds of the students (want, wants) a real weekly paper.
10. Six quarts of milk (is, are) what we ordered.
11. Athletics (is,are) taking too much of Harry’s time.
12. With its new plays, the team (was, were) confident of winning.
13. Economics (was, were) once known as a dismal science.
14. At its meetings, the group (see, sees) movies.
15. The United States (has, have) started explorations beneath the earth’s crust.
16. Pneumatics (deal, deals) with the properties of air and other gasses.
17. One hundred fifty thousand pesos (is, are) a lot to pay for a secondhand car.
18. Sixteen hours on the bus (was, were) too much for us.
19. Men and Machines (is, are) a thought-provoking book.
20. One of the lifeboats (has, have) sunk.

17. When a relative pronoun is used as a subject of a verb in the relative clause, the number of the verb depends upon
the number of the relative pronoun’s antecedent. The problem of agreement arises in the following sentences
because there are two words which might be the antecedent of the relative pronoun. In many cases, the
antecedent nearer to the relative pronoun is considered, but he meaning of the sentence shows which word is the
antecedent.

They are the candidates who (has, have) been elected.

Fay is the girl (antecedent- singular) who (relative pronoun) talks too much.
King is one of those dogs who (is, are) always chasing cars.
Mr. Foss is the only one of the teachers who (has, have) a Master’s Degree

Exercise 7 Circle the right verb that agrees with the antecedent of the relative pronoun. Underline the
antecedent.
1. This is the only one of the books that (is, are) worth reading.
 2. Tom is the only one in the class who (has, have) climbed Mt. Washington
3. Anne is one of those individuals who (is, are) finding fault.
4. Gibson is one of the men who always (listen, listens) attentively before replying.
5. Here are two new fabrics of the kind that (resist, resists) moisture
6. He is the only one of the refugees who (speak, speaks) English fluently.
7. Joan is one person in the group who (has, have) a good record collection.
8. There are three members of the class who (has, have) won prizes.
9. Tim is one of those boys who (seem, seems) always good-natured.
10. He is one of our neighbors who never (fail, fails) to greet us.
Mixed Review:
A.
1. Each of the buildings (has, have) a fire escape.
2. Neither of the dresses (fit, fits) Barbara
3. The size of the billboards (is, are) objectionable
4. Several of the roads (are, is) double lane highways.
5. The sidewalks along Washington Street (is, are) still slippery.
6. The teacher, as well as the students, (like, likes) a holiday.
7. The entire shipment of books (have, as) been lost.
8. The director, as well as the leading lady, (were, was) in hysterics.
9. Mr. Happ, with his two sons, (was, were) strolling down the street.
10. Few of the men on submarines ever (want, wants) to change service.
B.
1. Neither low clouds nor fog (prevent, prevents) planes from landing.
2. Either the router or the modem (are, is) out of order.
3. (Where’s, Where are) the logs for the fireplace?
4. There (have, has) been great advances in fiber optics.
5. His difficulty (is, are) fits of anger.
6. Physics (is, are) offered in the junior year.
7. Economics (is, are) no longer considered a dismal science.
8. The gymnastics of our kittens (is, are) fun to watch.
9. Mumps (is, are) now considered a serious disease.
10. The news of his victories (is, are) not surprising.
11. Betty’s big gift (was, were) books.
12. During the storm the fisherman’s main concern (was, were) his boats.
13. Civics (are, is) often taught in the ninth grade.
14. Facing the ocean (stand, stands) three hotels.
15. The crowd (is, are) leaving their seats.
16. Profiles in Courage (was, were) written by John F. Kennedy.
17. Tales from Vienna Woods (are, is) next on Netflix.
18. Ten dollars (is, are) a lot to pay for a snorkel tube.
19. Three- quarters of the house (has, have) been painted.
20. Three quarters of the tickets (has, have) been sold.
C.
1. Joe is the only one of the boys who (play, plays) chess.
2. He is one of those students who never (seem, seems) to work.
3. Lotta is the only one of the girls who (has, have) studied Korean.
4. Mother is one of those staunch persons who never (say, says) die.
5. The fire is among those disastrous events that (has, have) occurred in our town.