| • |
When there is a long noun phrase, identify the base
noun and make sure it agrees with the verb. Remember that noun phrases that begin with
one of take a singular verb.
- Example: The failure of the government to pass fair labor laws has allowed businesses to exploit workers.
- Example: One of the challenges faced by government
officials is preventing further terrorist attacks.
|
| • |
When a sentence begins with the structure there
+ BE, the verb BE agrees with the noun that follows it.
- Example: There was no response from the union regarding salary increases.
- Example: There are many questions
that need to be looked into regarding the September 11 attacks.
|
| • |
When two subjects are connected with either …
or, or neither … nor, the verb agrees with the subject that is nearest
to it.
- Example: Neither the government nor the unions protect workers' rights.
- Example: Neither the unions nor the government protects
workers' rights.
|
| • |
When the subject of a sentence is a gerund (verb
+ ing), the verb that follows is singular.
- Example: Lobbying is one of the techniques used by corporations to influence policies and labor laws.
|
 Download Grammar Explanation (PDF) |
