Subject-verb agreement

Singular subjects take singular verbs while plural subjects take plural verbs. This is one of the basic and most straightforward grammar rules. Yet sometimes it's not so easy to decide whether the subject is singular or plural. See if you can choose the verb form that goes with the subject in each of these sentences.

1. The use of natural vitamins and herbs becoming increasingly popular.

is

are

2. The new policy analyst is one of the employees who responsible for drafting initiatives.

is

are

3. Either Marcie's neighbours or her son after her dog when she is out of town.

looks

look

4. Two thirds of the department in favour of the new policy.

was

were

5. The committee members but not the chair decided to vote for the proposal.

has

have

6. Paul together with his three brothers to cycle across Canada this summer.

plans

plan

7. The hospital's senior physician and administrator, Dr. Black, the annual report.

prepares

prepare