12 rules for subject-verb

Rule 1: Verb must agree in Number and Person with it’s “real subject” and
not with any other Noun that may immediately precede it .

I am your friend.

We are waiting here.

Rule 2 : Two or more singular Nouns connected by “and” are normally

followed by a Plural Verb.

Tobacco and alcohol are injurious to health.

Oil and water do not mix.

Rule 3 : When two Singular Nouns connected by “and”

Together express one idea, they are followed by a Singular Verb.

Age and experience brings wisdom to man.

Slow and steady wins the race.

Rule 4 : When two Nouns connected by “and” refer to the same person the
Singular Verb is Used.

My friend and colleague, Mr Kotrappa has committed suicide.

A notable patriot and revolutionary was Mr Subhas Chandra Bose.

Rule 5 : When Singular Noun connected by “and” are proceeded by “each”

or “every”, they are followed by Singular verb.

Each man and Each woman was given a certificate.

Every officer and every soldier has to be ready to sacrifice his life for the country.

Rule 6 : Singular Subjects connected by “or, either … or, neither nor”, are
followed by Singular Verb.

Neither he nor she has any right to my property.

Either Guru or Shree has done this mischief.

Rule 7 : When the Subjects connected by “ or or nor ” are of different
Numbers, the Plural Subject should be written last and it should be
followed by a Plural verb.

Neither the Principal nor the President were present in the meeting.

Either Rani or her parents are responsible for this.

Rule 8 : When the Subjects connected by “ or or nor ” are of different

Persons, the Verb should agree in Person with the Subject nearest to it.

Neither he or I have money to spare for you.

Either you or Basamma has to take the responsibility.

NOTE: THE SUBJECTS SHOULD BE ARRANGED IN THE PROPER ORDER- the

person spoken to, first ( II) ; the person spoken of, second ( III ) ;

and the speaker ( I ) , last.

Rule 9 : A Collective Nouns is followed by a Singular Verb , when the group

is thought of as a single unit. But when the individual members of a group
are thought, the plural Verb must be followed.

A Committee was appointed to study the question.

The Committee were divided on the question of increased D . A. for the employees.

Rule 10 : Some Nouns are Plural in form , but Singular in meaning. They
should be followed by a Singular Verbs.

The news is too good to be true.

The wages of sin is death.

Rule 11: The singular verb form is usually used for units of
measurement or time.
Four quarts of oil was required to get the car running.
Rule 12 : If the subjects are both plural and are connected by the
words "or," "nor," "neither/nor," "either/or," and "not only/but also" the
verb is plural.
Dogs and cats are both available at the pound.