Subject-Verb Agreement

When sentences grow longer and more complex, choosing the correct verb becomes trickier. At this level, you will learn how compound subjects, indefinite pronouns, and the word "each" affect subject-verb agreement.

What You'll Learn

• How to match verbs with compound subjects joined by "and", "or", or "nor"
• How indefinite pronouns (everyone, somebody, several, both) determine whether the verb is singular or plural
• How the word "each" changes agreement, even when it appears in different positions in a sentence
• How to handle tricky subjects that look plural but take singular verbs

When to Use

1. Compound subjects with "and": "The captain and the goalkeeper train every morning before school."
2. Compound subjects with "or" / "nor": "Neither the teacher nor the students were ready for the fire drill."
3. Indefinite pronouns as subjects: "Everyone in the science club has completed the experiment."
4. "Each" before a noun: "Each participant receives a certificate at the end of the competition."
5. "Each" after a plural subject: "The runners each receive a medal after the race."

How to Form

Compound Subjects

Exception with "and": When two nouns joined by "and" refer to the same person or thing, or form a well-known pair, use a singular verb.

• "Bread and butter is a common breakfast." (one combination)
• "The founder and chairman speaks at every meeting." (one person with two roles)

Indefinite Pronouns

Singular indefinite pronoun example: "Somebody in the audience has left a bag behind."

Plural indefinite pronoun example: "Several of the hawker stalls were closed for renovation."

Context-dependent example: "Some of the water has spilled." (water is uncountable -- singular) "Some of the books have been returned." (books is countable plural -- plural)

Agreement with "Each"

Key Rules

1. "And" usually makes plural: Two subjects joined by "and" take a plural verb. "The coach and the manager are discussing the lineup." The exception is when the two nouns name the same person or thing, or form a recognised pair.

2. "Or" / "nor" -- match the nearer subject: When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor", the verb agrees with the subject closer to it. "Neither the principal nor the teachers have arrived." Swap the order: "Neither the teachers nor the principal has arrived."

3. Most indefinite pronouns are singular: Words like everyone, someone, anybody, each, either, and neither always take a singular verb. "Neither of the answers is correct."

4. A few indefinite pronouns are always plural: Both, few, many, and several always take a plural verb. "Few of the children were absent on Sports Day."

5. Some indefinite pronouns depend on what follows "of": All, some, most, none, and any can be singular or plural. Look at the noun after "of" to decide. "Most of the cake has been eaten." vs "Most of the cupcakes have been eaten."

6. "Each" at the start is singular; "each" after a subject follows the subject: "Each of the contestants wins a prize." But "The contestants each win a prize." In the second sentence, the verb agrees with "contestants", not "each".

Common Mistakes

Clue Words

Singular clues (use a singular verb)

each, every, everyone, everybody, someone, somebody, anyone, anybody, no one, nobody, everything, something, anything, nothing, either, neither

Plural clues (use a plural verb)

both, few, many, several

Context clues (check the noun after "of")

all, some, most, none, any

"Or" / "Nor" clue (look at the subject nearer to the verb)

or, either...or, neither...nor

Tip: When you see an indefinite pronoun, ask: "Is it in the always-singular list or the always-plural list?" If it is in neither list, look at the noun after "of" to decide.

Practice Tips

1. Strip the sentence down: Cross out prepositional phrases (e.g., "of the students", "in the hall") to find the true subject. "Each of the students has a pen." The subject is "each" -- singular.

2. Swap the "or/nor" order to check: If you are unsure, reverse the two subjects. The verb should still match the one closer to it. "The teacher or the students decide." / "The students or the teacher decides."

3. Memorise the short lists: There are only four always-plural indefinite pronouns (both, few, many, several). Everything ending in -one, -body, or -thing is singular. Knowing these two lists covers most situations.

4. Watch for "each" position: Check where "each" sits. At the start or before a noun, it is singular. After the subject, the subject controls the verb.

Quick Reference