Singular subjects take singular verbs and plural subjects take plural verbs.

Here are some common errors:

1. There are two or more subjects, so you think the verb needs to be plural.

2. There is more than one noun before the verb, so you make the verb agree with the wrong one.

3. There is a pronoun in the sentence that makes it confusing whether to use a singular or plural verb.

Examples:

1. The cat and dog are friends.

Cat and dog are singular, but together they form a plural subject.

2. The keys in the door are stuck.

Door is a singular noun, but is not the subject.

3. Any of them is fine for use in the rain.

Any refers to just one object in a bunch.

Try It:

1. Friday and Saturday ____ my favorite days of the week.

a. is

b. are

2. The library with many computers ____ a good place to study.

a. is

b. are

3. Communities with a park ____ important to have.

a. is

b. are

4. I will take whichever bus ____ first.

a. come

b. comes

Click Read More to see answers.

1. are – Two singular subjects act together as plural.

2. is – The subject (library) is singular.

3. are – The subject (communities) is plural.

4. comes – Whichever refers to just one bus.