Guiding Principles

Illustrations

1

If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.

- The dog barks.
- The dogs bark.

2

Principle 1 applies for verbal noun or verbal group noun.

- Regular exercise is good for health.
- Gathering seashells is difficult.

3

Principle 1 applies for subject and verb separated by ‘of’.

- A box of cookies is missing.
- The tissues in the box have been used up.

4

If the subject is singular in form but plural in meaning, the verb must be plural.

- The group is going to the cinema.
- The group are undecided on their plans.

5

Two singular subjects joined by ‘and’, requires a plural verb.

- Tim and Tom have attended the class.
- Black and blue are his favourite colours.