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In case of multiple subject, or NP involving a collective or defective noun, extra attention must
be paid to matters of agreement.
3. Either…or/ neither…nor phrases require that the verb agrees with the Head Noun (i.e.
the noun or pronoun which is closer to the main verb).
Ex. Either the library (sg.) or the bookstores (pl.) have current magazines. Neither the magazines
(pl.) nor the book (sg.) discusses this issue. Either Kay or I am going to win. Neither Kim nor my
mother is interested in Geography.
6. Indefinite pronouns require a singular V.P.(somebody, nobody, anybody, each and every
etc.).
Ex. Nobody knows where he went. Everybody likes him, don’t they? Each of us has found a
place to rest.
7. Collective phrases:
- phrases like “a variety/collection/ group of…” require a singular V.P. : A variety of stamps is
on display at the post office. A group of protestors was seen marching towards the Parliament.
- “quantity” phrases require a singular V.P.: 600 miles is a long way. Two weeks goes fast when
you are busy. 50$ is a good price for a bike.
- the+ ADJ = name of group; it requires a plural V.P.: The rich are not happy. The poor have
little. The Young and the Restless etc.
- nouns such as: advice, news, knowledge, information equipment etc (uncountable nouns)
require a singular V.P. (they can be counted with “an item/piece of…”)
- nouns such as: audience, committee, class, team etc (collective nouns) require sg. or pl. V.P.
depending on context (if they are regarded as individual members, they take a plural verb)
- names of sciences, diseases or games ending in “-s” take a sg. V.P.
Ex. Billiards is entertaining. Mumps is contagious. Physics is unfathomable.
8. Other cases:
- arithmetical operations+sg. V.P.: 7 plus (added to) 3 equals 10. 4 divided by 2 is 2. 10
multiplied by 10 is 100. 1 substracted from 5 is 4 (or: 5 minus 1 is 4.)
- SB./Predicative Clause + singular VP.: What my country needs is peace. Movies is what the
audience want(s).
- plural titles (of books or movies) are followed by a sg. VP.: The Arabian Nights is a children’s
story book. 101 Dalmatians is a Disney cartoon. The Brothers Karamazov was written by
Dostoyevsky.
- nouns designating “double objects” take a plural VP. (counted with “a pair of “):
Where are the scissors? I need some compasses to measure the circumference of the circle.