Problem words for subject-verb agreement
- With, together with, like, as well as do not add to the number. (Only and adds to the number.)
- The boy, with ten others in the bus, was late for school.
- The member of Parliament, together with eight officials, is touring Shah Alam.
- Salmah, like Alice, is tall for her age.
- Bryan, as well as his brother, has been invited to the party.
- Each, every, everybody, anybody, nobody, one of the singular.
- Each child gets a present on Children’s Day.
- Everyone wants to eat a piece of cake for breakfast.
- Everybody has to finish his / her homework on time.
- Anybody above 21 is eligible for membership to the club.
- Nobody is perfect.
- One of the boys has taken my pencil.
- None can be either singular or plural.
- I wanted to buy a good watch but none was available from that shop.
- None of the goals were saved by the goalkeeper.
- All, half, means, a lot are either singular or plural, depending on the intended meanings.
- All is lost. (all here means everything)
- All are invited for the party. (all here refers to “People”)
- Half a share is better than none. (Half of the single unit)
- Half the papayas are spoilt in storage. (ten out of 20)