In this article, we'll talk about how we use singular and plural verb, with examples.
- Singular verb is used if there are:
- any + singular nouns
- some + singular nouns
- every
- each
- nobody, nothing, no one
Examples:
- Nobody who has lost his ticket should report to the desk.
- Something is inside the house.
- Nobody works harder than he does. - The usage in none/no form
- None + of the + non-count noun + singular verb
Example: None of the counterfeit money has been found.
- None + of the + plural count noun + plural verb
Example: None of the students have finished the exam yet.
- No + singular noun or non-count noun + singular verb
Example: No example is relevant to the case.
- No + plural noun + plural verb
Example; No examples are relevant to the case.
- The usage in neither/either form
- Neither + noun + nor + plural noun + plural verb
Example: Neither John nor his friends are going to the beach today.
- Either + noun + oor + plural noun + plural verb
Example: Either John or his friends are going to the beach today.
- Neither + noun + nor + singular noun + singular verb
Example: Neither John nor Bill is going to the beach today.
- Either + noun + or + singular noun + singular verb
Example: Either John or Bill is going to the beach today. - If the sentence starts with gerund (verb-ing), use singular verb.
Example: Knowing her has made him what he is. - If the sentence uses collective nouns, use singular verb.
Examples of collective nouns are:
- congress, family, group, committee, team
- flock of birds, herd of cattle, school of fish, pride of lions - Collecting noun indicating time, money, and measurements used a whole are singular.
Example: Twenty five dollars is too much to pay for that shirt. - The usage with a/the
- A number of of + plural noun + plural verb
Example: A number of students are going to the class.
- The number of + plural noun + singular verb
Example: The number of students is going to class. - Usage with nouns that are always plural (such as: scissors, trousers, pants, pliers)
Examples:
- The pants are in the drawer
- A pair of pants is in the drawer.
