This is the most clear set of rules i have found so far. There are 2 missing so i'll edit my post later.
Agreement is governed by certain rules that must be memorized to ensure proper usage.
Some Basic Rules of Agreement
1.) A singular subject has a singular verb and a singular pronoun reference. (e.g. Bob likes his new book =>Bob=sing., likes=sing., his=sing.)
REMEMBER TO TAKE OUT THE PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES. THEY ARE NOT THE SUBJECT!
2.) A plural subject has a plural verb and a plural pronoun reference. (e.g., The boys like their new books> boys=plural, like=plural, their=plural)
3.) The pronouns: either, neither, each, and those that end in [-one or body-] (anyone, no one, someone, anybody, nobody, somebody, ect.) are nearly always singular, take singular verbs, and singular pronouns)
e.g., Everyone of the boys on the team wants to achieve his goals> REMOVE THE PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES: of the boys, on the team.
Subject= Everyone=singular>wants=singular>his= singular.
e.g. neither of the boys is certain of his goals
REMOVE THE PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE of the boys
subject=neither= singular > is= singular >his=singular
4.) The pronouns--some, all, many, several, both-- are plural and take plural verbs and plural pronoun references.
eg, some of the girls are tired and wish to go home
all of the students want to finish their work
5.) neither...nor/ either...or rule
When using the construct of neither...nor or either...or, you must use the noun/pronoun that follows the nor/ or to determine the agreement
neither phil nor the boys wish to go to their cabins
neither the boys nor phil wants to go to his cabin
6.) Titles of poems or plays or musical works of art are viewed as singular even if they have plural references.
eg. wings of the dove is a famous novel by henry james
seven brides for seven brothers was an interesting musical
7.) Units of measurement, distances, sums of money, time units, and food units are usually singular when conceived of as a unit.
e.g. Ten dollars is not a large allowance today
Fifty miles was once a large distance to cover in a day
Bacon and eggs is a breakfast meal
8.) Proportion pronouns (1/2 or 3/4) use the prepositional phrase to determine agreement
e.g. Half of the cookies are filled with chocolate
(of the cookies=plural, are=plural)
Half of the pie is filled with apples.
(pie= singular, is= singular)
9.) Distinction between A number and The Number
A number = plural
The number= singluar
10.) The phrase MANY A is singluar
11.) Subjects ending in ING are singluar
Target Test Prep 20% Off Flash Sale is on! Code: FLASH20
Redeem5-Day Free Trial
5-day free, full-access trial TTP
Available with Beat the GMAT members only code
MORE DETAILSThis topic has expert replies
• Page 1 of 1
5/5
5 Star (480 Reviews)
"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."
"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."
"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."
GMAT Course Reviews
Admissions Consulting Reviews
FREE GMAT PREP RESOURCES
GMAT PREP DEAL TRACKER
- ONLY $85
- SAVE $300
- ONLY $99
- $150 OFF
- 50% OFF
- SAVE $75
- 100% OFF