Subject–verb agreement
Match the verb to the real subject, even when other words come between them.
Find the real subject
The verb agrees with the head noun of the subject, not with the nearest noun.
- The number of students has risen. (subject: number)
- The quality of the roads is poor. (subject: quality)
Tricky subjects
Each, every, everyone and neither take singular verbs. 'A number of' (meaning several) takes a plural verb.
Uncountable nouns such as information, advice and research take singular verbs.
- Every student needs a quiet place to work.
- A number of cities have banned cars.
- This research shows a clear trend.