[Image credit: Stuart Miles]
Subject/verb agreement is a topic that frequently trips me up in my own writing. Here are some easy guidelines (borrowed from Owl Purdue online writing lab) to help us all agree.
- Rule: When the subject of a sentence contains two or more nouns (or pronouns) connected by and, use a plural verb.
- Example: He and his girlfriend are shelling on the beach.
- Rule: When two or more singular nouns (or pronouns) are joined by or, or nor, use a singular verb.
- Example: Neither the dog nor the cat is in the cabin.
- Rule: If a compound subject includes both a singular and a plural noun (or pronoun) connected by or, or nor, the verb must agree with the part of the section nearer the verb.
- Examples: The author or her friends write each day. Neither her friends nor the author writes each day.
- Rule: Doesn’t is used with a singular subject; don’t is used with a plural subject. Except in the case of the first and second person pronouns I and you, use don’t.
- Examples: She doesn’t like being in third place. They don’t like the logistics.
As always, check out www.owl.english.purdue.edu when in doubt.
What grade do you earn when it comes to subject/verb agreement?
Always The Write Time Blog 
Aug 01, 2012 @ 14:24:15
The rule for nouns or pronouns joined by “or” or “nor” is really much simpler than the two rules you give: The verb always agrees with the noun or pronoun closer to it. That’s the only rule you need.
As for the “rule” about “doesn’t,” it is far more complex than it needs to be, too. It is simply: Use “doesn’t” for third person singular and “don’t” for everything else.
Aug 01, 2012 @ 16:27:23
~ Thanks, Laura! Owl Purdue could definitely benefit from your tips! Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3 and feel free to simplify as needed.