English grammar, especially subject-verb agreement, could be confusing and quite often misleading for only the most seasoned creative writers. Many authors have professional editors and proofreaders proceed through their make use of a fine-tooth comb (or red-tip pen) before submitting their work with publication. Below you can find a list of subject-verb agreement rules which assists you avoid some common grammatical errors:

1. When the subject of the verb is singular, the verb ought to be expressed in their singular form.

2. When the subject of the verb is plural, the verb really should be expressed in their plural form.

3. Use the singular verb form if the subject ends in -body, -one, -thing, or perhaps is preceded by each, every, many a, or one of.

Example: Has anyone have been told by Bill? Each one of you is trouble.

4. Use the plural verb form in the event the subject is preceded by both, many, few, several, varieties.

Example: Several of the pizza ingredients are far too spicy for me personally.

5. A plural verb is usually required once you.

6. If the subject includes two or more words which are connected by or both…and, the niche is plural and requirements a plural verb.

Example: George and Jack are likely to the movies. Both the boys’ and girls’ rooms are redecorated.

6a. Exception: When a singular subject is connected from the word “and,” make use of the singular verb.

Example: Macaroni and cheese is my dinner on Wednesday nights.

7. Use the singular verb form if your subject includes two or more singular words which can be connected by or, either…or, neither…nor, you aren’t only…but also. If the subject contains two or more plural words connected with the above words, a plural verb becomes necessary.

8. Intervening phrases and clauses needs to be ignored when determining agreement from a subject and verb.

Example: The bag of chips was ripped open.

9. A sentence with both having a positive and negative subject should make use of a verb that will follow the positive subject. The negative subject may be set apart with commas unless it’s preceded by or but.

Example: Ballet, not tap, is her favorite dance.

10. These pronouns (all, most, more, none, some, or any) have a singular or plural verb, according to the phrase.