Subject-Verb Agreement
When writing or speaking, the verb of a sentence has to agree with the subject. In short, singular subjects are paired with singular verbs and plural subjects are used with plural verbs.
- The Student Union office opens at 8 a.m.
- Facebook users spend an average of 20 minutes a day on Facebook.
A. Everyone, anyone, someone, no one, each
These indefinite pronouns are paired with singular verbs because they are counted as one group, not each individual person or thing.
- Everyone loves to take photos of their pets.
- Anyone who asks a question their professor just answered was not listening.
- Someone seems to have lost their wallet. I’ll hand it over to the police.
- No one obeys their parents when they are 13.
- Each of those bakeries needs to be checked for cleanliness.
B. All, most, some, none
These indefinite pronouns can be paired with singular or plural verbs depending on the noun to which they refer. If the noun is singular or uncountable, the verb must also be singular. If the noun is plural, the verb must also be plural.
- All of the music he enjoys is composed by classical musicians.
- All of her books were destroyed in the fire.
- Most of my friends are meeting at a café later today. I thought about going, but all of the coffee is so weak I might as well drink tea. Also, I remember some of their desserts were dry and difficult to eat. However, if none of my other friends have plans to go out, I guess I’ll go to the café.
C. Both, neither, either
While “both” is a plural noun and requires a plural verb, “neither” and “either” are singular and must be paired with singular verbs.
- Both of the dance classes cater to beginners.
- Either the park or the beach is fine with me.
