Master subject-verb agreement for confusing subjects like indefinite pronouns (each, some), collective nouns (team, group), and compound subjects joined by 'and', 'or', or 'nor'.
Are indefinite pronouns like 'each', 'either', 'neither', 'one', 'everyone', and 'anybody' considered singular or plural?
They are always singular and require a singular verb. Example: "Each of the students *is* prepared for the exam."
Choose the correct verb: "Everyone on the team (supports/support) the coach."
"supports". The subject "Everyone" is singular.
Are indefinite pronouns like 'several', 'few', 'both', and 'many' considered singular or plural?
They are always plural and require a plural verb. Example: "Several of the candidates *were* impressive."
Choose the correct verb: "Many of the houses in the neighborhood (has/have) been sold."
"have". The subject "Many" is plural.
What is the rule for indefinite pronouns like 'some', 'all', 'most', 'any', and 'none'?
Their number (singular or plural) depends on the object of the preposition that follows them. If the object is singular, the verb is singular. If the object is plural, the verb is plural.
Choose the correct verb: "Some of the pie (is/are) missing."
"is". The pronoun "Some" refers to "pie," which is a singular noun.
Choose the correct verb: "Some of the guests (has/have) already left."
"have". The pronoun "Some" refers to "guests," which is a plural noun.
What is a collective noun, and is it usually singular or plural on the SAT/ACT?
A collective noun (e.g., 'team', 'family', 'committee', 'jury') names a group. On standardized tests, it is almost always treated as a single unit and takes a singular verb.
Choose the correct verb: "The jury (has/have) reached a verdict."
"has". The "jury" is acting as one single body.
When two or more subjects are joined by 'and', do you use a singular or plural verb?
You use a plural verb. Example: "The manager and the assistant *review* the reports daily."
What is the exception for compound subjects joined by 'and' that refer to a single thing?
If the two nouns form a single unit or idea (like "bed and breakfast" or "macaroni and cheese"), use a singular verb. Example: "Macaroni and cheese *is* my favorite meal."
When two singular subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor', do you use a singular or plural verb?
You use a singular verb. Example: "Neither the student nor the teacher *knows* the answer."
What is the 'proximity rule' for subjects joined by 'or' or 'nor'?
When a compound subject contains both a singular and a plural noun or pronoun joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb should agree with the part of the subject that is nearer the verb.
Choose the correct verb using the proximity rule: "Neither the players nor the coach (is/are) happy with the outcome."
"is". The verb agrees with "coach," the singular subject closer to it.
Choose the correct verb using the proximity rule: "Neither the coach nor the players (is/are) happy with the outcome."
"are". The verb agrees with "players," the plural subject closer to it.
