Kristine Charlotte E.

Mortera 1A7

June 13 2011 English

Rule #1: Singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. Ex: She writes. They write. Rule #2: Two singular subjects connected by or or nor require a singular verb.

Ex: My mom or my dad is going to attend the orientation. Rule #3: Two singular subjects connected by either/or or neither/nor require a singular verb as in Rule 2. Ex: Either Pamela or Jenny will represent our school. Rule #4: When I is one of the two subjects connected by either/or or neither/nor, put it second and follow it with the singular verb am. Ex: Neither Nikki nor I am going to the party. Rule #5: When a singular subject is connected by or or nor to a plural subject, put the plural subject last and use a plural verb. Ex: The pillow or blankets are to be placed in that closet. Rule #6: When singular and plural subject are connected by either/or or neither/nor, put the plural subject last and use a plural verb. Ex: Neither books nor handouts were given on the first week of classes. Rule #7: As a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they are connected by and. Ex: Cell phone and Internet are the modern way of connecting with your friends and relatives. Rule #8: The pronouns each, everyone, every one, everybody, anyone, anybody, someone, and somebody are singular and require singular verbs. Ex: Each student is required to bring their books on Monday. Rule #9: The expression the number is followed by a singular verb while the expression a number is followed by a plural verb. Ex: A number of people were disappointed because their favorite basketball team lost the game.

Rule #10: When either and neither are subjects, they always take singular verbs. Ex: Either him or her is the representative. Rule #11: In sentences beginning with here or there, the subject follows the verb. Ex: There are a lot of people who wanted the job. Rule #12: Use a singular verb with sums of money or periods of time. Ex: One hour is the allotted time for each subject. Rule #13: Collective nouns such as team and staff may be either singular or plural depending on their use in the sentence. Ex: A group of students were late due to an accident down the street. Rule #14: Sentences beginning with there is or there are, the subject follows the verb. Since there is not the subject, the verb agrees with what follows. Ex: There is a typhoon. Rule #15: Nouns such as scissors, tweezers, trousers, and shears require plural verbs. Ex: Different kinds of scissors are available now in the hardware. Rule #16: Titles of books, movies, novels, etc. are treated as singular and take a singular verb. Ex: Avatar is an amazing movie! Rule #17: The singular verb form is usually used for units of measurement. Ex: A cup of sugar is enough to bake a cake. Rule #18: Pronouns such as few, many, several, both, all and some always take the plural form. Ex: Both parties have agreed on the condition. Rule #19: If two infinitives are separated by and they take the plural form of the verb. Ex: To eat and sleep are my hobbies. Rule #20: When gerunds are used as the subject of a sentence they take the singular verb form of the verb, but when they are linked by and they take the plural form. Ex: Sleeping is the best thing to do after a full meal.