The one idea behind every rule
A singular subject takes a singular verb (is, was, has, goes); a plural subject takes a plural verb (are, were, have, go). Every rule below is about one question: what is the real subject? Examiners hide it behind phrases so that a plural noun sits right before a singular verb, and the sentence sounds right while being wrong.
Words that are always singular
| Subject | Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Each, every | Singular | Every boy and girl was present. |
| Either, neither (alone) | Singular | Neither of the answers is correct. |
| Everyone, someone, nobody, anybody | Singular | Everybody knows the rule. |
| One of the + plural noun | Singular | One of the books is missing. |
| The number of | Singular | The number of applicants has risen. |
| Many a + singular noun | Singular | Many a student has failed this question. |
Words that are always plural
| Subject | Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A number of | Plural | A number of students were absent. |
| Both, few, many, several | Plural | Few know the answer. |
| Cattle, police, people, poultry | Plural | The police have arrived. |
| Two subjects joined by "and" | Plural | Ram and Shyam are friends. |
Phrases that hide the subject
As well as, along with, together with, in addition to, besides, like, with do not add to the subject. The verb agrees with the noun before them.
✗The minister, as well as his secretaries, have resigned.
✓The minister, as well as his secretaries, has resigned.
Cover the phrase in commas: "The minister… has resigned."
Either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also
With these pairs, the verb agrees with the subject nearer to it.
✗Either the manager or his assistants is responsible.
✓Either the manager or his assistants are responsible.
Nearer subject: assistants (plural).
✗Not only the students but also the teacher were surprised.
✓Not only the students but also the teacher was surprised.
Nearer subject: the teacher (singular).
Collective nouns
A collective noun (team, jury, committee, family, audience) takes a singular verb when the group acts as one unit, and a plural verb when its members act separately.
- The jury has given its verdict. (one decision)
- The jury were divided in their opinions. (members disagreeing)
Amounts, titles and nouns that look plural
- Amounts as one sum are singular: "Ten thousand rupees is a large amount." "Five kilometres is a long walk."
- Titles are singular: "Great Expectations is a novel."
- Subjects and diseases ending in -s are singular: "Mathematics is easy." "Measles is infectious." "The news is good."
- Pair nouns are plural: "My trousers are torn" — but "A pair of trousers is on the bed."
Relative pronouns: who, which, that
✗He is one of those leaders who has changed the country.
✓He is one of those leaders who have changed the country.
Who refers to leaders (plural), so the verb is plural. Compare: "He is the only one of the leaders who has…" — there "who" refers to "the only one".
Frequently asked questions
Is it 'each of the students has' or 'have'?
'Each of the students has.' The subject is 'each', which is always singular; 'of the students' is a phrase between the subject and the verb.
Is 'a number of' singular or plural?
'A number of' means 'many' and takes a plural verb: 'A number of students were absent.' 'The number of' refers to the number itself and takes a singular verb: 'The number of students is fifty.'
With 'neither…nor', which subject does the verb agree with?
With the nearer subject. 'Neither the teacher nor the students were ready' — 'students' is nearer, so the verb is plural.