Basic Rules for Subject Verb agreement

1. When the subject is followed by a phrase, the verb agrees with the subject, not the noun in the phrase.

   Example:

The basket of fruits is on the table

The bottles of jam are on the table, too

One of the boys is here

2. Use plural form of the verb when the subject consists of two or more nouns connected by and, and the nouns refer to different persons or things. Use the singular form of the verb when the nouns refer to the same thing.

  Example:

The City Hall and the GSIS Building are familiar sights to city dwellers.

The Secretary and the treasurer are here to see you.

Bread and butter is his usual breakfast.

Bread and butter are sold at the supermarket.

3. When two or more subjects are joined by or, either-or, and neither-nor, the verb agrees with the nearest subject.

  Example:

Either the young man or his friends are making noise.

Either the ladies or young wife disapproves of Mikes action.

Neither the sailor nor the boys were to blame.

4. Use the singular form of the verb when the collective noun is thought of as a unit-acting as one; use the plural form of the verb when the collective noun is thought of as a collection of separate units or individuals.

  Example:

The committee has decided.

The committee has expressed different opinions.

The class is very quite.

The class is writing thei compositions.

Your team were trying their new uniforms when we came.

5. Use a plural form of the verb when an adjective is referring to people as a class is used as collective nouns.

  Example:

The poor have hopes and dreams, too

The weak are not cowards.

6. Some nouns taht are always singular in form with the plural form shown through the expression of quantity are shown in the box that follows. Recent usage however, allows the addition of -s to show the plural form.