This is a list of common exceptions to subject-verb agreement.
Some nouns are always singular (you have to memorize these nouns):
- The news is groundbreaking.
- Measles is a disease.
- The series was excellent!
Some collective nouns (which represent a group) could either be singular or plural, depending on if the noun refers to the group or the group members. In American English, the verb is usually singular.
- The group meets at 9 o’clock. (refers to the group)
- The group meet at 9 o’clock. (refers to each group member)
Titles of books, plays, operas, and films are always singular.
- The Cows is a great movie!
When the word “pair” is used, the verb is singular.
- That pair of shoes is expensive.
- Shoes are expensive.
When “none” is used, the verb is singular.
- None of my shoes fit me.
“All” depends on whether the noun is countable.
- Count nouns: All my shoes fit me.
- Non-count nouns: All of my water spills over the table.
“Each” and “every” are always singular when used with a singular noun. With a plural noun it is grammatically singular, as well.
- Each person is special.
- Every person is special.
- Each of the books is special.
- Every one of the books is special.
“Either”…”or”: Depends on the number of the last noun before the verb (same rule applies for “neither”….”nor”.)
- Either my sister or brothers buy the groceries.
- Either my brothers or my sister buys the groceries.
