There are many examples of subject-verb disagreement that work their way into business writing. Here are some tips to avoid common traps.
Many people ask: “Should the word ‘everyone’ be used with a singular or plural verb?” The indefinite pronouns – anyone, each, either/neither, every, everyone, everybody, someone, somebody, no one and nobody – take a SINGULAR verb.
Incorrect Example: Everyone of us here as individuals are the best and brightest.
Correct Example: Everyone of us here as individuals is the best and brightest.
Incorrect Example: Each of the protesters are right in their own way.
Correct Example: Each of the protesters is right in his or her own way (or “All of the protesters are right in their own way.”)
Incorrect Example: Neither of the two traffic lights are working.
Correct Example: Neither of the two traffic lights is working.
There are indefinite pronouns that can be both SINGULAR orPLURAL, depending on the context of the sentence. For example, “none, some or all” can take on different verbs.
None can be used with a singular or plural verb depending on something else in the sentence that determines its number. Writers generally think of none as meaning not any and will choose a plural verb.
Correct Example: None of the anti-inflammatory products are working. (Not “is” working. Here the term “products” shows that the construction should be plural)
None can also mean not one, which would take a singular verb.
Correct Example: None of this food is very fresh. (Not “are” fresh. Here the term “food” is the qualifier for a singular verb)
A similar principle applies to the words some and all.
Correct Example: Some of the research is missing.
Correct Example: Some of the lab experiments are gone.
Correct Example: All of the information is incorrect.
Correct Example: All of the reports were poorly done.
The same holds true for fractional expressions, such as majority of, percentage of or half of. These can take both singular and plural verbs, depending on sentence context.
Correct Example: A large percentage of the population is voting against the Liberals.
Correct Example: A majority of troops were lost in the battle.
Correct Example: Half of the student body is in favor of a policy change.
Another key area of grammar trouble for subject-verb agreement occurs when multiple clauses are used with the subject. In these compound sentences, finding the right verb can be challenging. The verb has to agree with the original subject, even if there are intervening clauses.
Incorrect Example: The boxes containing the missing information is being delivered Friday. (should be “are”)
Incorrect Example: Multiple production environments, while offering business flexibility, has caused us to experience delays. (should be “have”)
Incorrect Example: The mayor, as well as his brothers, are going to jail. (should be “is)
Incorrect Example: It was the speaker, not his ideas, which have provoked the students to riot. (should be “has provoked”)
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