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One of the common errors made both in speaking and writing is the lack of agreement between the subject noun or pronoun and the predicate verb. In order to have harmonious relations between the parts of the sentence you must have the agreement.

A. Agreement in Person and Number
The verb must agree with its subject in person and number. If the subject of sentence is singular, the verb must also be in singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must also be in plural. If the subject is the first person, the verb must also be in plural. If the subject is in the second or third persons, the verb must agree.


               She gives him a hint
               They don’t know the man
               You were listed in the group
                I am going there

B. Agreement of Verb with Compound Subject

 1. The parts of a compound subject are usually connected by and, or, nor, either-or, neither-nor. Usually, when two or more subjects are connected by and, the subject is plural and requires a plural verb.

 Alan and Anna are taking French
 Marry and Jack congratulate the winner.

2. Subjects connected by ‘Or’ or ‘Nor’
When two singular subjects are connected by the word OR, the subject is singular. The sentence means either the one or the other. It doesn’t mean both the same rule applies when nor is used to join two singular subjects.
 Either-or and neither nor follow the same rule.
 Corry or Jerry is attending the party. (the one or the other)
When one of the subjects connected by or, nor, either-or, neither-nor is singular or vice versa, the verb agrees with the subject that is nearer to it. If both subjects are plural, the verb is also plural
     Neither Paul or the boys are guilty
     Neither the boys nor Paul is guilty
     Neither the boys nor the girls are guilty.

C. Agreement of Verb with Collective Noun
A collective noun is a noun that represents a group or a collection of objects usually consider as a unit. Words like crew, troop, herd, flock, committee, etc are collective noun. In a particular sentence represents the individuals acting as a unit, the noun is singular if the sentence indicates clearly that the individuals are acting separately the noun is plural.
     • The jury arrived at its final verdict. (as a unit)
     • The committee has given their contributions for the affair. (as individual)
     • A crowd cheers the hero. (as a unit)

D. Intervening Phrases
No matter what word in intervene between the subject and the verb is, the verb should agree with the subject and not with any of the intervening words. Words joined to the subjects by with, together with. In accordance with accompanied by, as well as, including, etc. do not change the number of the object.
       • Important papers, as well as his will and testament were found in his desk.
       • The cops, together with some reporters arrive at the crime scene.
       • Kevin, accompanied by his parents come to see the teacher.

E. Agreement of Subject with Contractions
Contractions are verbs that have been shortened by the omission of one or more letters. The omission of the letters is indicated by the use an apostrophe.
• We aren’t going to the seminar.
• It doesn’t make any difference.
• I am not interested. (There is no contraction for am not).

F. Agreement of Verb with Indefinite Pronoun
The indefinite pronouns: one, no more, anyone, everyone, someone, anybody, nobody, everybody, somebody, each, either, and neither are always singular thus, they take a singular verb.
               • Only one of the applicants is found qualified.
When many a, each, and every are used to introduce a sentence and function as adjectives, the subject is singular.
                • Many a man whishes that he had gone to college
                • Each window and door was locked securely.
The indefinite pronouns several, few, both, and many are always plural.
               • Many in the crowd show boredom.
The indefinite pronouns some, none, any, and all are singular or plural according to the meaning of the sentence. When these words refer to quantity or a mass taken as a whole, there are generally considered a singular. When they refer to a number, they are regarded as plural in meaning.