Subject–verb agreement

• Every-, some-, no- compounds are singular: "everybody is".
• "Neither of" is formally singular: "neither of the answers is correct".
• "THE number of" = singular; "A number of" (= several) takes a plural verb.
• Subjects ending in -ics (politics, economics, physics) are singular as fields.
• "Each of + plural" still takes a singular verb: "each … has".
• Collective nouns (family, team, government) take plural verbs in British English when seen as individuals.

• Everybody is ready to start.
• Neither of the answers is correct.
• The number of students has grown.
• Politics is a sensitive topic at dinner.
• Each of the rooms has its own bathroom.
• Both can be correct, British English allows plural for group nouns.

Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.

More in Common Errors

• Negatives done right
• Homophone traps