Glossary
'Each,' 'Every,' 'Either,' 'Neither'
Distributive pronouns or adjectives that always refer to individual items within a group, making the subject singular and requiring a singular verb.
Example:
Each of the answers is correct.
'More than one'
A phrase that, despite containing 'one,' always takes a singular verb.
Example:
More than one candidate was interviewed for the position.
'One of the' Sentences
A construction where the verb agrees with 'one' (singular), not the plural noun in the prepositional phrase that follows.
Example:
One of the most challenging questions is on the final exam.
'The number of' vs. 'A number of'
Two distinct phrases: 'The number of' is singular and refers to a specific quantity, while 'A number of' is plural and means 'many.'
Example:
The number of students enrolled is increasing, but a number of students are absent today.
'There is'/'There are' Sentences
Sentences where 'there' acts as an expletive, and the true subject follows the verb, determining whether 'is' (singular) or 'are' (plural) is used.
Example:
There are many opportunities available to you.
Always Plural Nouns
Nouns that inherently refer to two parts and are always treated as plural, such as 'scissors,' 'pants,' or 'glasses.'
Example:
My new glasses are very comfortable.
Collective Nouns
Nouns that refer to a group of individuals (e.g., 'team,' 'family,' 'jury') and can take either a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group acts as a unit or as individual members.
Example:
The team is celebrating its victory (as a unit), but the team are putting on their individual uniforms (as individuals).
Compound Subjects (forming a single unit)
Two subjects joined by 'and' that refer to a single concept or item, thus requiring a singular verb.
Example:
Macaroni and cheese is my favorite comfort food.
Compound Subjects (joined by 'and')
Two or more subjects connected by 'and,' which typically form a plural subject and require a plural verb.
Example:
Sarah and Tom are studying for the upcoming exam.
Compound Subjects (joined by 'or' or 'nor')
Two or more subjects connected by 'or' or 'nor,' where the verb agrees in number with the subject closest to it.
Example:
Neither the students nor the teacher is ready for the pop quiz.
Fractions and Percentages
Quantifiers that can be singular or plural depending on whether the noun they modify is singular or plural.
Example:
Half of the pie was eaten, but half of the cookies were left.
Indefinite Pronouns (always plural)
Pronouns such as 'both,' 'few,' 'many,' and 'several' that always refer to multiple items and require a plural verb.
Example:
Both of the answers are correct.
Indefinite Pronouns (singular or plural)
Pronouns like 'all,' 'any,' 'more,' 'most,' and 'some' whose number depends on the noun they refer to (e.g., 'all of the water' is singular, 'all of the students' is plural).
Example:
Most of the cake was eaten, but most of the guests have left.
Indefinite Pronouns (usually singular)
Pronouns like 'everyone,' 'somebody,' 'anything,' or 'no one' that refer to an unspecified person or thing and typically take a singular verb.
Example:
Everyone in the class is excited about the field trip.
Interrupting Expressions ('in addition to,' 'together with,' 'accompanied by')
Phrases that add extra details to a sentence but do not alter the subject's number, meaning the verb agrees solely with the main subject.
Example:
The author, accompanied by her editor, was at the book signing.
Intervening Phrases
Groups of words that come between the subject and the verb, such as prepositional phrases or appositives, which do not affect the subject-verb agreement.
Example:
The collection of rare stamps is quite valuable.
Intervening Words
Words or phrases that come between the subject and the verb but do not affect the subject's number or the verb's agreement.
Example:
The car, with its shiny new paint job, is parked outside.
Inverted Sentences
Sentences where the verb comes before the subject, requiring careful identification of the true subject to ensure agreement.
Example:
Under the old oak tree sits the wise old owl.
Irregular Plurals
Nouns that form their plural in a way other than adding '-s' or '-es', such as 'children' (from 'child') or 'mice' (from 'mouse').
Example:
The geese flew in a perfect V-formation across the sky.
Modifying Phrases ('as well as,' 'along with,' 'including')
Phrases that introduce additional information but do not create a compound subject; the verb still agrees only with the main subject.
Example:
The principal, as well as the teachers, is attending the conference.
Nouns of Quantity
Nouns referring to amounts (e.g., 'twenty dollars,' 'three hours') that take a singular verb when considered as a single unit or sum.
Example:
Fifty pounds is a heavy weight to lift.
Parenthetical Expressions/Appositives
Words or phrases set off by commas, dashes, or parentheses that provide additional information about a noun but do not change the subject's number.
Example:
My neighbor, a talented artist, is hosting an exhibition.
Plural Subject
A noun or pronoun that refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example:
The students eagerly await the test results.
Plural Verb
A verb form used with a plural subject, typically without an '-s' in the present tense for most subjects.
Example:
The dogs bark loudly at the mail carrier.
Prepositional Phrases
A phrase consisting of a preposition, its object, and any modifiers, which often acts as an intervening phrase between a subject and its verb.
Example:
The dog in the red collar is very friendly.
Pronoun 'none'
A pronoun that can be singular or plural depending on the context and the noun it refers to; it takes a singular verb if it means 'not one' and a plural verb if it means 'not any.'
Example:
None of the water is left, but none of the students are absent.
Relative Clauses
Dependent clauses that begin with a relative pronoun (e.g., 'who,' 'which,' 'that') and modify a noun, often appearing between the subject and verb without affecting agreement.
Example:
The student who scored highest on the exam received a scholarship.
Singular '-s' Nouns
Nouns that end in '-s' but are grammatically singular and require a singular verb, such as 'news,' 'mathematics,' or 'physics.'
Example:
Economics is a fascinating field of study.
Singular Subject
A noun or pronoun that refers to one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example:
The student eagerly awaits the test results.
Singular Verb
A verb form used with a singular subject, often ending in '-s' in the present tense for third-person singular subjects.
Example:
The dog barks loudly at the mail carrier.
Subject-Verb Agreement
The grammatical rule that states a subject and its verb must match in number (singular or plural). A singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.
Example:
Ensuring proper Subject-Verb Agreement is crucial for clear and grammatically correct sentences on the SAT.
Time, Money, Measurement (as a unit)
Quantities of time, money, or measurement that are considered a single unit and therefore take a singular verb.
Example:
Five miles is a long distance to run every day.
Titles (of books, movies, etc.)
The names of creative works, which are always treated as singular subjects regardless of whether they contain plural words.
Example:
'The Chronicles of Narnia' is a beloved fantasy series.