Use plural verbs for
Plural verbs are used when referring to multiple subjects or objects. They convey that the action or state of being applies to more than one person, animal, thing, or concept. To use plural verbs, follow these guidelines:
1. Identify the subject: Determine whether the subject of the sentence is singular or plural. The subject is the noun or pronoun that the verb refers to.
Example:
- The boys (plural subject) are playing soccer.
- The boy (singular subject) is playing soccer.
2. Select the correct verb form: If the subject is plural, use a plural verb form.
Example:
- The boys are playing soccer.
- The boy is playing soccer.
3. Remove any confusion: Sometimes, subject-verb agreement can be tricky when dealing with collective nouns (nouns that refer to a group of individuals as a whole) or phrases that start with "a number of," "a group of," "a handful of," etc. In these cases, consider if the emphasis is on the group as a whole (singular) or on the individual members (plural).
Example:
- The team (singular subject) is winning the game. (Emphasis on the collective group of players)
- The team (plural subject) are arguing amongst themselves. (Emphasis on the individual members of the team)
Remember to consider subject-verb agreement when using plural verbs.