Use subjects and verbs that agree in person and number. Agreement problems often occur when a sentence has a complicated subject or verb, especially when the subject and verb are separated by other words.

The plural subject, amounts, requires a plural verb, are. (See also R2-a to check the correct forms of be and other irregular verbs.)

G6-a Make sure the subject and verb agree even if they are separated by other words.

First identify the subject and the verb; then change one to agree with the other.

G6-b Use a singular verb with a subject that is a collective noun.

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Change the verb to a singular form if the subject is a collective noun.

Note: A collective noun is generally considered singular because it treats a group as a single unit. If it refers to the members of the group as individuals, however, it may be considered plural.

G6-c Use a verb that agrees with a subject placed after it.

In most sentences, the subject precedes the verb, but some sentences are inverted. For example, sentences beginning with there is and there are put the subject after the verb.

In inverted sentences, change the verb so that it agrees with the subject that follows it, or rewrite the sentence to put the subject (which still must agree with the verb) first.

G6-d Use a plural verb with a compound subject.

Two subjects joined by and require a plural verb.

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Note: If two subjects are joined by or or nor, the verb should agree with the subject that is closer to it.

G6-e Use a verb that agrees with the antecedent of the pronouns who, which, or that.

To check agreement, identify the antecedent of the pronoun.

Note: With the phrase one of the followed by a plural noun, use a verb that agrees with that noun.

G6-f Use a singular verb with an indefinite pronoun.

In formal writing, an indefinite pronoun usually refers to a single person or object and agrees with a singular verb.

If an indefinite pronoun such as all, none, or some refers to a plural noun, use a plural form of the verb. If it refers to a singular noun, use a singular form.

G6-g Use a verb that agrees with the subject rather than a subject complement.

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When either the subject or the subject complement names a group or category, the choice between a singular or plural verb can be confusing. Make sure that the verb agrees with the actual subject.