the subject and verb agreement

The subject and verb must agree in number: both must be singular, or both must be plural. Problems occur in the present tense because one must add an -s or -es at the end of the verb when the subjects or the entity performing the action is a singular third person: he, she, it, or words for which these pronouns could substitute. Notice the difference between singular and plural forms in the following examples: Singular The student sings. (He or she sings) The bird does migrate. (It does) Plural Your children sing. (They sing) Those birds do migrate. (They do)

In order to find out if your subject and verb agree, you need to be able to identify the subject of your sentence. Here are some helpful hints that will help you to decipher where your subject is and where it is not.

Where is my subject?

Most likely, your verb will agree with the first noun to the left of the verb: The Supreme Court judge decides the appropriate penalty. Subject: judge Verb: decides The committee members were satisfied with the resolution. Subject: members Verb: were

Occasionally, a sentence has the subject after the verb instead of before it. This strategy is often used for poetic effect. Over the ripples glides a small canoe. Subject: a small canoe Verb: glides There was a well-known writer at the meeting. Subject: a well-known writer Verb: was

You will not find the subject in a modifying phrase (MP), a phrase that starts with a preposition, a gerund, or a relative pronoun and that modifies the meaning of the noun or subject under discussion. The group of students is going on a field trip. Subject: the group MP: of students Verb: is The survey covering seven colleges reveals a growth in enrollment.

MP: covering Verb: seven colleges reveals The speaker whom you saw at the lecture is one of the state senators from Minnesota. Subject: the speaker

Subject: the survey

MP: whom you saw Verb: is at the lecture

If subjects are joined by and, they are considered plural. The quarterback and the coach are having a conference. Subject: the quarterback and the coach Verb: are having

If subjects are joined by or or nor, the verb should agree with the closer subject. Either the actors or the director is at fault. Subjects: actors, director Verb: is Either the director or the actors are at fault. Subjects: director, actors Verb: are

The relative pronouns (who, whom, which, and that) are either singular or plural, depending on the words they refer to. The sales manager is a good researcher who spends a great amount of time surfing the Web for information. Subject: the sales manager Verbs: is, spends Sales managers are good researchers who spend a great amount of time surfing the Web for information. Subject: sales managers Verbs: are, spend

Indefinite pronouns (someone, somebody, each, either one, everyone, or anyone) are considered singular and need singular verbs although they convey plural meaning. Anyone who wants to pursue higher education has to pass entrance exams. Subject: anyone Verbs: wants, has Everyone on the committee is welcome to express his/her ideas. Subject: everyone Verb: is

A few nouns can be either plural or singular, depending on whether they mean a group or separate individuals. These words are rarely used as plurals in modern writing. The jury is sequestered. Subject: jury Verb: is The jury are having an argument. Subject: jury Verb: are having

A few subjects look plural but are really singular or vice versa. The news of the discovery is spreading. Subject: news Verb: is The mass media have publicized the facts. Verb: have publicized The data amaze everyone. Subject: data Verb: amaze Subject: mass media

Basic Principle: Singular subjects need singular verbs; plural subjects need plural verbs. My brother is a nutritionist. My sisters are mathematicians. See the section on Plurals for additional help with subject-verb agreement. The indefinite pronouns anyone, everyone, someone, no one, nobody are always singular and, therefore, require singular verbs.

Everyone has done his or her homework. Somebody has left her purse.

Some indefinite pronouns such as all, some are singular or plural depending on what they're referring to. (Is the thing referred to countable or not?) Be careful choosing a verb to accompany such pronouns.

Some of the beads are missing. Some of the water is gone.

On the other hand, there is one indefinite pronoun, none, that can be either singular or plural; it often doesn't matter whether you use a singular or a plural verb unless something else in the sentence determines its number. (Writers generally think of none as meaning not any and will choose a plural verb, as in "None of the engines are working," but when something else makes us regard none as meaning not one, we want a singular verb, as in "None of the food is fresh.")

None of you claims responsibility for this incident? None of you claim responsibility for this incident? None of the students have done their homework. (In this last example, the word their precludes the use of the singular verb.

Some indefinite pronouns are particularly troublesome Everyone and everybody (listed above, also) certainly feel like more than one person and, therefore, students are sometimes tempted to use a plural verb with them. They are always singular, though. Each is often followed by a prepositional phrase ending in a plural word (Each of the cars), thus confusing the verb choice. Each, too, is always singular and requires a singular verb. Everyone has finished his or her homework. You would always say, "Everybody is here." This means that the word is singular and nothing will change that. Each of the students is responsible for doing his or her work in the library. Don't let the word "students" confuse you; the subject is each and each is always singular Each is responsible. Phrases such as together with, as well as, and along with are not the same as and. The phrase introduced by as well as or along with will modify the earlier word (mayor in this case), but it does not compound the subjects (as the word and would do).

The mayor as well as his brothers is going to prison.

The mayor and his brothers are going to jail. The pronouns neither and either are singular and require singular verbs even though they seem to be referring, in a sense, to two things.

Neither of the two traffic lights is working.

Which shirt do you want for Christmas? Either is fine with me.

In informal writing, neither and either sometimes take a plural verb when these pronouns are followed by a prepositional phrase beginning with of. This is particularly true of interrogative constructions: "Have either of you two clowns read the assignment?" "Are either of you taking this seriously?" Burchfield calls this "a clash between notional and actual agreement."* The conjunction or does not conjoin (as and does): when nor or or is used the subject closer to the verb determines the number of the verb. Whether the subject comes before or after the verb doesn't matter; the proximity determines the number.

Either my father or my brothers are going to sell the house.

Neither my brothers nor my father is going to sell the house. Are either my brothers or my father responsible? Is either my father or my brothers responsible?

Because a sentence like "Neither my brothers nor my father is going to sell the house" sounds peculiar, it is probably a good idea to put the plural subject closer to the verb whenever that is possible. The words there and here are never subjects.

There are two reasons [plural subject] for this. There is no reason for this.

Here are two apples.

With these constructions (called expletive constructions), the subject follows the verb but still determines the number of the verb. Verbs in the present tense for third-person, singular subjects (he, she, it and anything those words can stand for) have s-endings. Other verbs do not add s-endings. He loves and she loves and they love_ and . . . . Sometimes modifiers will get betwen a subject and its verb, but these modifiers must not confuse the agreement between the subject and its verb. The mayor, who has been convicted along with his four brothers on four counts of various crimes but who also seems, like a cat, to have several political lives, is finally going to jail. Sometimes nouns take weird forms and can fool us into thinking they're plural when they're really singular and vice-versa. Consult the section on the Plural Forms of Nouns and the section on Collective Nouns for additional help. Words such as glasses, pants, pliers, and scissors are regarded as plural (and require plural verbs) unless they're preceded the phrase pair of (in which case the word pair becomes the subject).

My glasses were on the bed. My pants were torn. A pair of plaid trousers is in the closet. Some words end in -s and appear to be plural but are really singular and require singular verbs.

The news from the front is bad. Measles is a dangerous disease for pregnant women.

On the other hand, some words ending in -s refer to a single thing but are nonetheless plural and require a plural verb.

My assets were wiped out in the depression. The average worker's earnings have gone up dramatically. Our thanks go to the workers who supported the union.

The names of sports teams that do not end in "s" will take a plural verb: the Miami Heat have been looking , The Connecticut Sun are hoping that new talent . See the section on plurals for help with this problem. Fractional expressions such as half of, a part of, a percentage of, a majority of are sometimes singular and sometimes plural, depending on the meaning. (The same is true, of course, when all, any, more, most and some act as subjects.) Sums and products of mathematical processes are expressed as singular and require singular verbs. The expression "more than one" (oddly enough) takes a singular verb: "More than one student has tried this."

Some of the voters are still angry. A large percentage of the older population is voting against her. Two-fifths of the troops were lost in the battle.

Two-fifths of the vineyard was destroyed by fire. Forty percent of the students are in favor of changing the policy. Forty percent of the student body is in favor of changing the policy. Two and two is four. Four times four divided by two is eight. If your sentence compounds a positive and a negative subject and one is plural, the other singular, the verb should agree with the positive subject.

The department members but not the chair have decided not to teach on Valentine's Day.

It is not the faculty members but the president who decides this issue. It was the speaker, not his ideas, that has provoked the students to riot.

Select one answer from the choices provided after each sentence. The word you choose should fit the blank in the sentence. Don't use the HINT buttons unless you really need them. 1. Either the physicians in this hospital or the chief administrator ____ going to have to make a decision. is are

2. ______ my boss or my sisters in the union going to win this grievance?Is Are

3. Some of the votes __________ to have been miscounted.seem seems

4. The tornadoes that tear through this county every spring _____ more than just a nuisance.are is

5. Everyone selected to serve on this jury _____ to be willing to give up a lot of time.have has

6. Kara Wolters, together with her teammates, _________ aformidable opponent on the basketball court. presents present

7. He seems to forget that there __________ things to be done before he can graduate.are is

8. There _______ to be some people left in that town afteryesterday's flood. have has

9. Some of the grain __________ to be contaminated.appear appears

10. Three-quarters of the students __________ against the tuition hike.is are

11. Three-quarters of the student body __________ against the tuition hike.is are

12. A high percentage of the population _________ voting for the new school.is are

13. A high percentage of the people _________ voting for the new school.was were

After each sentence select the verb form that will best fit in the blank. The explanation will describe the process of arriving at the correct choice for that sentence. If you choose the correct response, it might still be a good idea to consult the explanation, to see if your understanding of the verb choice is the same as ours.Top of Form

1. Carlos is the only one of those students who __________ lived up to the potential described in the yearbook. has have Responses:

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2. The International Club, as well as the Choral Society and the Rowing Club, __________ to submit a new constitution. need needs

Responses:


3. One of my best friends _____________ an extra on Seinfeld this week. are is Responses:


4. Not only the students but also their instructor ________ been called to the principal's office. have has Responses:


5. Most of the milk _____ gone bad. Six gallons of milk _______ still in the refrigerator. has ---- are have ---- is

Responses:


6. Each and every student and instructor in this building __________ for a new facility by next year. hope hopes Responses:


7. The students and instructors each ________for a new facility by next year. hopes hope Responses:


8. Rice and beans, my favorite dish, __________ me of my native Puerto Rico. remind reminds

Responses:


9. A large number of voters still ___________ along straight-party lines. votes vote Responses:


10. Four years _______ a long time to spend away from your friends and family. are is Responses:


11. Politics __________ sometimes a dirty business. are is

Responses:


12. To an outsider, the economics of this country ________ to be in disarray. seem seemsBottom of Form

Basic Rule.

The basic rule states that a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. NOTE: The trick is in knowing whether the subject is singular or plural. The next trick is recognizing a singular or plural verb. Hint: Verbs do not form their plurals by adding an s as nouns do. In order to determine which verb is singular and which one is plural, think of which verb you would use with he or she and which verb you would use with they. Example : talks, talk Which one is the singular form? Which word would you use with he? We say, "He talks." Therefore, talks is singular. We say, "They talk." Therefore, talk is plural.

Rule 1.

Two singular subjects connected by or or nor require a singular verb. Example : My aunt or my uncle is arriving by train today.

Rule 2.

Two singular subjects connected by either/or or neither/nor require a singular verb as in Rule 1.

Examples :

Neither Juan nor Carmen is available. Either Kiana or Casey is helping today with stage decorations.

Rule 3.

When I is one of the two subjects connected by either/or or neither/nor, put it second and follow it with the singular verb am. Example : Neither she nor I am going to the festival.

Rule 4.

When a singular subject is connected by or or nor to a plural subject, put the plural subject last and use a plural verb. Example : The serving bowl or the plates go on that shelf.

Rule 5.

When a singular and plural subject are connected by either/or or neither/nor, put the plural subject last and use a plural verb. Example : Neither Jenny nor the others are available.

Rule 6.

As a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they are connected by and. Example : A car and a bike are my means of transportation.

Rule 7.

Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by words such as along with, as well as, besides, or not. Ignore these expressions when determining whether to use a singular or plural verb. Examples : The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly. Excitement, as well as nervousness, is the cause of her shaking.

Rule 8.

The pronouns each, everyone, every one, everybody, anyone, anybody, someone, and somebody are singular and require singular verbs. Do not be misled by what follows of.

Examples :

Each of the girls sings well. Every one of the cakes is gone. NOTE: Everyone is one word when it means everybody. Every one is two words when the meaning is each one.

Rule 9.

With words that indicate portionspercent, fraction, part, majority, some, all, none, remainder, and so forth look at the noun in your of phrase (object of the preposition) to determine whether to use a singular or plural verb. If the object of the preposition is singular, use a singular verb. If the object of the preposition is plural, use a plural verb. Examples : Fifty percent of the pie has disappeared. Pie is the object of the preposition of. Fifty percent of the pies have disappeared. Pies is the object of the preposition. One-third of the city is unemployed. One-third of the people are unemployed. NOTE: Hyphenate all spelled-out fractions. All of the pie is gone. All of the pies are gone. Some of the pie is missing. Some of the pies are missing. None of the garbage was picked up. None of the sentences were punctuated correctly. Of all her books, none have sold as well as the first one.

NOTE: Apparently, the SAT testing service considers none as a singular word only. However, according to Merriam Webster's Dictionary of English Usage, "Clearly none has been both singular and plural since Old English and still is. The notion that it is singular only is a myth of unknown origin that appears to have arisen in the 19th century. If in context it seems like a singular to you, use a singular verb; if it seems like a plural, use a plural verb. Both are acceptable beyond serious criticism" (p. 664).

Rule 10.

The expression the number is followed by a singular verb while the expression a number is followed by a plural verb. Examples : The number of people we need to hire is thirteen. A number of people have written in about this subject.

Rule 11.

When either and neither are subjects, they always take singular verbs. Examples : Neither of them is available to speak right now. Either of us is capable of doing the job.

Rule 12.

The words here and there have generally been labeled as adverbs even though they indicate place. In sentences beginning with here or there, the subject follows the verb. Examples: There are four hurdles to jump. There is a high hurdle to jump.

Rule 13.

Use a singular verb with sums of money or periods of time. Examples : Ten dollars is a high price to pay. Five years is the maximum sentence for that offense.

Rule 14.

Sometimes the pronoun who, that, or which is the subject of a verb in the middle of the sentence. The pronouns who, that, and which become singular or plural according to the noun directly in front of them. So, if that noun is singular, use a singular verb. If it is plural, use a plural verb. Examples : Salma is the scientist who writes/write the reports. The word in front of who is scientist, which is singular. Therefore, use the singular verb writes. He is one of the men who does/do the work. The word in front of who is men, which is plural. Therefore, use the plural verb do.

Rule 15.

Collective nouns such as team and staff may be either singular or plural depending on their use in the sentence. Examples : The staff is in a meeting. Staff is acting as a unit here. The staff are in disagreement about the findings. The staff are acting as separate individuals in this example. The sentence would read even better as: The staff members are in disagreement about the findings.

Subject and Verb Agreement QuizTop of Form

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1. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined.A) At the end of the story, they was living happily ever after. B) At the end of the story, they were living happily ever after. C) At the end of the story, they were living happily ever after. D At the end of the story, they was living happily ) ever after.

2. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined.

A) Al and Eli go to the beach to surf with their friends. B) Al and Eli go to the beach to surf with their friends. C) Al and Eli goes to the beach to surf with their friends. D Al and Eli goes to the beach to surf with ) their friends.

3. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined.A) When Al and Eli arrive, they find that their friends has waxed their boards. B) When Al and Eli arrive, they find that their friends has waxed their boards. C) When Al and Eli arrive, they find that their friends have waxed their boards. D When Al and Eli arrive, they find that their friends have ) waxed their boards.

4. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined.A) The group of children from that school has never seen the ocean. B) The group of children from that school have never seen the ocean. C) The group of children from that school has never seen the ocean. D The group of children from that school have never ) seen the ocean.

5. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined.A) If our staff members doesn't quit picking at each other, we will not meet our goals. B) If our staff members don't quit picking at each other, we will not meet our goals. C) If our staff members don't quit picking at each other, we will not meet our goals. D If our staff members doesn't quit picking at each other, we will ) not meet our goals.

6. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined.A) Either Gary or I am responsible for allocating the funds. B) Either Gary or I are responsible for allocating the funds. C) Either Gary or I am responsible for allocating the funds. D Either Gary or I are responsible for ) allocating the funds.

7. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined.A) Neither she nor they were willing to predict the election results. B) Neither she nor they was willing to predict the election results. C) Neither she nor they was willing to predict the election results.

D Neither she nor they were willing to predict the ) election results.

8. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined.A) Nora is one of the candidates who are worthy of my vote. B) Nora is one of the candidates who is worthy of my vote. C) Nora is one of the candidates who are worthy of my vote. D Nora is one of the candidates who is worthy ) of my vote.

9. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined.A) Nora, of all the candidates who are running, is the best. B) Nora, of all the candidates who are running, is the best. C) Nora, of all the candidates who is running, is the best. D Nora, of all the candidates who is running, ) is the best.

10. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined.A) My problem, which is minor in comparison with others, exists because I dropped out of high school. B) My problem, which is minor in comparison with others, exist because I dropped out of high school.

C) My problem, which is minor in comparison with others, exists because I dropped out of high school. D My problem, which is minor in comparison with others, exist because I ) dropped out of high school.

11. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined.A) His dogs, which is kept outside, bark all day long. B) His dogs, which is kept outside, bark all day long. C) His dogs, which are kept outside, bark all day long. D His dogs, which are kept outside, bark ) all day long.Bottom of Form

We have seen how the Subject and Verb agreement in a sentence is must. Here we can see few more rules which govern the agreement between the Verb and the Subject. 1. Two nouns qualified by each or every, even though connected by and, require only a singular verb. Example-1: Every boy and every girl is given the admission ticket to the show. In this sentence, the Subject is Every boy and every girl. Although this Subject contains two nouns and they are connected by the conjunction and, we have to use only a singular verb is, because the subject implies every one of all the students.

Example-2: Every man and every woman was given a packet of sweets. In this sentence also, the Subject is treated as singular, so the verb is also singular. You see how in this sentence Subject-and-Verb-agreement is perfect. Examples: Every teacher and every student has got his share of the balance amount. Every boy and every girl in this class has applied for TOEFL. Every man and every woman has come forward to donate some money to this organization. 2. Few nouns which are plural in form but singular in meaning take only the singular verb. Examples: The news is not true. The wages of sin is pains. Mathematics is a branch of study in every school. Economics is a scientific subject. You see how in these sentences Subject-and-Verb-agreement is perfect. 3. The Subjects pains and means take either singular or plural verb. But the construction should be consistent. Examples: Great pains have been taken to complete this project. Great pains has been taken to complete this project. Both these sentences are correct forms but when you use a particular form, you have to use that form consistently throughout the particular writing.

The means to rich is a not a secret. The means to rich are not secrets. 4. When a plural noun denotes a specific quantity or amount considered as a whole, the verb is generally singular. Examples: Fifteen minutes is not sufficient. Ten kilometers is a long distance. Fifty thousands dollars is not a small salary per month. Three parts of the project is left to me. You see how in these sentences Subject-and-Verb-agreement is perfect. 5. The Verb in the Subordinate Clause: Example-1: India is one of the few countries which have their own traditions. Do you think this sentence is a correct one? The Subordinate Clause in this sentence takes plural verb while the Main Clause takes only a singular verb. Because the Subject of the Subordinate Clause which here means only the word countries which comes before it. So, the Subordinate Clause takes a plural verb. This sentence is correct one. Examples: Is you brother one of the two hundred people who have become the members of this organization? This is one of those novels that deal with drug abuse. Ramanujam is one of the greatest mathematicians who have ever lived. Examples:

The neighbor, with his wife and children, is watching the football match on television. Neither my bank balance nor the amount I borrowed is sufficient to meet the expenditure. Not one in hundred seeds develops into a healthy plant. The number of poisonous snakes in not known. A good college record as well a good score in GMAT is required for admission in MBA. Not only an excellent preparation but also very good presentation in TOEFL is must to score more marks in it. Neither of these two movies was rated as outstanding, but each had an absorbing story. A large percentage of college students were absent on the annual day. You see how in these sentences Subject-and-Verb-agreement is perfect.

Subject-Verb Agreement - Exercise 1Choose the correct verb in each sentence below. Then click the "Check My Work" button to view the correct answers.Top of Form

1. Emily and Greg ( 2. There ( is,

comes,

come) to my house every Friday for lunch.

are) time to watch the movie.

3. My friends who are in the band ( instrument. 4. My father or my brothers ( 5. Everyone ( needs, is,

wants,

want) me to play a musical

are) coming with me to the ball game.

need) time to relax. looks, hopes, look) fresh. hope) to win the tournament next week.

6. That bag of oranges ( 7. The lacrosse team ( 8. Your trousers (

needs,

need) to be cleaned. is, are) dusty. thinks, think) that it is too

9. Some of the books on the shelf (

10. Even though the students like the class, a few ( complicated.Check My Work Reset

Bottom of Form

Choose the correct verb in each sentence below. When you have finished, click on the "Check My Work" button to view the correct answers.Top of Form

1. Mumps (

is,

are) not common among adults. is, are) a major concern.

2. Viruses from third world countries ( 3. Most of the sand ( is,

are) wet from the high tide. sits, sit) in my lap while I watch television.

4. Either the two kittens or the puppy (

5. A subject of great interest ( 6. Hansel and Gretel ( 7. The team members ( is, is,

is,

are) rainforests.

are) a famous children's story. are) arguing over the defense tactics. was, were) pleasing.

8. The economics of the trip ( 9. Why ( is,

are) your parents going to Africa for a vacation? hopes, hope) that the bill will soon become a

10. The mayor and the governor ( law.Check My Work Reset

Answer KeySubject-Verb Agreement - Exercise 21. The correct answer is is. Mumps (is, are) not common among adults. Refer to Rule #8 on the subject-verb agreement page. Your answer: is 2. The correct answer is are. Viruses from third world countries (is, are) a major concern. Refer to Rule #9 and Rule #1 on the subject-verb agreement page. Your answer: are 3. The correct answer is is. Most of the sand (is, are) wet from the high tide. Refer to Rule #2 on the subject-verb agreement page. Your answer: are 4. The correct answer is sits. Either the kittens or the puppy (sits, sit) in my lap while I watch television. Refer to Rule #4 on the subject-verb agreement page. Your answer: sits 5. The correct answer is is. A subject of great interest (is, are) rainforests. Refer to Rule #9 and Rule #1 on the subject-verb agreement page.

Your answer: is 6. The correct answer is is. Hansel and Gretel (is, are) a famous children's story. Refer to Rule #7 on the subject-verb agreement page. Your answer: is 7. The correct answer is are. The team members (is, are) arguing over their defense tactics. Refer to Rule #6 on the subject-verb agreement page. Your answer: are 8. The correct answer is were. The economics of the trip (was, were) pleasing. Refer to Rule #8 on the subject-verb agreement page. Your answer: was 9. The correct answer is are. Why (is, are) your parents going to Africa for a vacation? Refer to Rule #5 on the subject-verb agreement page. Your answer: are 10. The correct answer is hope. The mayor and the governor (hopes, hope) that the bill will soon become a law. Refer to Rule #3 on the subject-verb agreement page. Your answer: hopeBottom of Form

the subject and verb agreement

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