Subjects and Verbs: Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

Subject and verb agreement is one of the most difficult things to master in grammar. We learn early in education that singular subjects take singular verbs and that plural subjects take plural verbs. Of course, it's not quite that cut and dry. We could write a book on S-V agreement (in fact, some have been written), but for the sake of time, space, and sanity, let's just talk about how to choose the correct verb when you have a split subject.

When you have two singular subjects separated by or or nor, you must use a singular verb.

Example:

Neither the memo nor the letter is/are proof of her guilt.

Because both subjects are singular (memo and letter), the correct answer would be the singular verb is.

Likewise, when you have two plural subjects separated by or or nor, you must use a plural verb.

Example:

Either roses or orchids make/makes beautiful bridal bouquets.

Because both subjects are plural (roses and orchids), the correct answer would be the plural verb make.

Oh, but what happens when you have one singular subject and one plural subject? It's really quite easy once you know the rule. If the subject nearer the verb is singular, choose the singular verb. If the subject nearer the verb is plural, choose the plural verb.

Examples:

1. Neither Mrs. Jones nor her assistants take/takes coffee breaks during the day.

Mrs. Jones is singular; assistants is plural. Because assistants is closer to the verb, you should choose the plural verb take.

2. Either the computers or the fax machine need/needs to be serviced.

Computers is plural; fax machine is singular. Because fax machine is closer to the verb, you should choose the singular verb needs.

Notice in the next example that it doesn't matter if the subjects come at the beginning of the sentence. You still refer to the one nearer the verb to determine the correct choice.

Example:

Is/Are either my wife or children going to be at my surprise party?

Because wife is singular and closer to the verb, you would choose the singular verb is.

The same rule applies with subjects separated by not only and but also.

Example:

Not only the cake but also the flowers was/were done in shades of pink.

Again, because flowers is plural and closer to the verb than cake, you would choose the plural verb were.

For more practice on S-V agreement, visit the following sites:

Guide to Grammar and Writing
Online Writing Lab
The Tongue Untied