Business Writing Tips from The Writing Center
Sentence Structure -- Subject-Verb Agreement (3)
November 30, 2006
We continue with our 12 essential
subject-verb agreement rules:
- With two or more
subjects joined by and (a compound subject), use a plural
verb.
Example:
The secretary and
the treasurer are
(plural) responsible
for presenting the annual report.
NOTE: When two parts
of a compound subject refer to the same person or thing, use a
singular verb.
Example:
My boss and mentor
(one person)
has always
been
(singular)
helpful to me.
Also, when the
compound subject is preceded by each or every, use a
singular verb.
Example:
Every file drawer and bookcase
(singular)
was
(singular)
searched.
-
With two or more singular subjects joined by or or nor, use a
singular verb. If one of the subjects is plural and one is singular, make the
verb agree with the subject closer to it.
Examples:
Neither the secretary
(singular)
nor the clerk
(singular)
has received
(singular)
her paycheck.
Neither the secretary
(singular) nor
the two clerks (plural)
have received
(plural) their paychecks.
Neither the two secretaries
(plural) nor
the clerk (singular)
has
received
(singular)
her paycheck.
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This edition was adapted from our
Business Grammar Program.
Previous editions
may be read at
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