Subjects and verbs must agree.
A singular subject always takes a singular verb, and a plural subject always takes a plural verb — even when tricky phrases, tricky pronouns, or tricky-looking words get in the way. Find the true subject, and the right verb follows.
Seven ways agreement gets tricky
The basic rule is simple: singular subject, singular verb. These seven cases are where that rule gets complicated — and where most mistakes happen. Open each card to see the pattern and real examples.
Check the subject’s number first, then match the verb to it.
Every other case in this lesson is a variation on — or an exception to — this one rule.
The cat runs fast.
The cats run fast.
"And" always creates a plural subject, even when both nouns are singular.
"Or" and "nor" make the verb agree with the subject CLOSEST to it, not the first one.
My friend and colleague are coming.
Neither the teacher nor the students understand the assignment. (agrees with "students")
Either the students or the teacher is responsible. (agrees with "teacher")
Each, everyone, everybody, anyone, somebody, no one, and nobody are ALWAYS singular.
Few, many, several, and both are ALWAYS plural; all, some, none, any, and most depend on the noun they refer to.
Everyone is invited.
Few are available.
All of the cake is gone. (cake = uncountable)
All of the students are here. (students = countable)
Use a singular verb when the group acts together, as one unit.
Use a plural verb when the members act as separate individuals.
The team is winning. (one unit)
The team are arguing among themselves. (individuals)
A book, movie, or organization is treated as ONE thing, even if its name looks plural.
This holds true no matter how many plural-looking words are inside the title.
“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” is a popular book.
The United Nations is an international organization.
Ignore the intervening phrase or clause, and find the TRUE subject.
The true subject is almost always the very first noun in the subject group.
The bouquet of flowers is beautiful. (subject is "bouquet," not "flowers")
The girl who writes stories is talented.
News, mathematics, measles, and economics LOOK plural but take a singular verb.
Scissors, trousers, and glasses LOOK singular but take a plural verb.
The news is on at 6 PM.
The scissors are on the table.
| Case | What it means | Common examples |
|---|---|---|
| Basic rule | Match the verb to the subject’s number | The cat runs. The cats run. |
| Compound subjects | "And" = plural; "or/nor" = agrees with the closer noun | are coming; nor the students understand |
| Indefinite pronouns | Fixed or context-dependent number | Everyone is; Few are; Some of the cake is |
| Collective nouns | Singular as a unit, plural as individuals | The team is / The team are |
| Titles and names | Always singular | The United Nations is… |
| Separated subjects | Ignore the phrase in between | The bouquet of flowers is… |
| Tricky forms | Form and number don’t always match | The news is…; The scissors are… |
Agreement in action
Ten quick questions — some multiple choice, some fill-in-the-blank — covering compound subjects, indefinite pronouns, and tricky forms. You get instant scoring and a short explanation for every answer.
Find the true subject, and the verb follows
Behind every tricky sentence is one real subject — whether it’s hiding after a describing phrase, disguised in a plural-looking word, or split across an or. Find it, check its number, and the correct verb always follows.