SUBJECT – VERB AGREEMENT

Singular Plural
Is/has Are/ have
Every, each A number of, a couple of
More than one A group of, kinds of
Many a A few, several
Many, both
All of, most of
1. Use singular verbs after the names of countries and (singular) subjects that finish with -s.
⇒ the Philippines, the United Nations, economics, politics
2. Use plural verbs after the following: any of, some of, all of, many, the rest of, a lot of, a number
of, several.
⇒ A number of my friends are from China.
3. Use either a singular or plural verb after the following nouns: jury, class, team, family, society.
The meaning of the noun is dependent on the form of the verb used.
⇒ The jury has made a decision.
COUNTABLE / UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

1. Countable nouns (common nouns, collective nouns)

2. Uncountable nouns (material nouns, proper nouns, abstract nouns)
⇒ furniture, luggage, baggage, news, information, mail.
I need ten sheets of paper.

COMPARISONS

1. Use to instead of than with the following adj: senior, junior, superior, inferior.
2. Comparatives can be modified by the following words: much, even, far, still, a lot
 It is much colder today than it was yesterday.

MODIFIERS

1. Each, every + singular noun; Each of + plural noun

 Each room has air conditioning. Each of the members did her best.
2. Such + a/an + adj + noun
So + adj + a/an + noun
So + adj/adv
 He’s such a strong man (so strong a man) that he can carry the box.
 He’s so strong that he can carry the box.
 She’s so beautiful, and she can cook so well.
3. Almost + adj; Most + plural noun
 I go to the park almost every day.
 Most people who live there go to the park every week.
 Almost all the people who live there have been to the park.
4. -thing/-one/-body + adj
 She would like to eat something warm.
 Can you suggest anyone suitable for this position?