Reading and Writing · 16 · Sentence Rules · Free
Subject-Verb Agreement
Notes
Key points
- Singular subject → singular verb (is, has, runs). Plural → plural (are, have, run).
- Find the true subject: cross out prepositional phrases and modifiers in between.
- and → plural. or / nor → match the nearer subject.
- each, every, everyone, either, neither are singular.
- Inverted order: “There are many reasons.” “Among the finds was a coin.”
- “as well as”, “along with”, “together with” don't make the subject plural.
- “The number of” → singular; “a number of” → plural.
Rules
Ignore the phrase between subject and verb.
The box of old letters was found in the attic.
The box of old letters were found in the attic.
Subject after the verb: find it, then match.
On the shelf sit three jars.
On the shelf sits three jars.
“As well as” adds nothing to the subject.
The captain, as well as her crew, was rescued.
The captain, as well as her crew, were rescued.
Neither/nor: the verb matches the nearer subject.
Neither the teacher nor the students were ready.
Neither the teacher nor the students was ready.
Common traps
- Matching the verb to the closest noun instead of the subject.
- Treating “each” or “everyone” as plural.
- Missing a subject that comes after its verb.
SAT tip
Agreement questions plant a long phrase between subject and verb: bracket it, then read subject + verb alone.
Test yourself
10 official SAT questions on Subject-Verb Agreement, easiest first.