A quick guide before you start
Find the subject that controls each verb. Nearby nouns can make a different form look tempting.
Each, every, everyone, nobody
Each of the students has a copy.
Every teacher and student needs a pass.
Use a singular verb with these words. The plural noun after of does not change each.
Either … or / neither … nor
Either the students or the teacher is ready.
Either the teacher or the students are ready.
Match the nearer subject. The same rule applies to not only … but also.
Along with / as well as
The teacher, along with the students, is ready.
The added phrase does not make the main subject plural. Compare: The teacher and the students are ready.
More than one clause
The students read while the teacher checks their work.
Check each verb separately. Its subject may differ from the subject of the previous clause.
Choose the correct answer
26 questionsChoose the verb that agrees with the subject. In the final six questions, read the longer sentence and choose the single correction needed, or “No change”.