Usage of Singular and Plural Verb

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.