Subject-verb agreement is one of the most fundamental grammar rules tested on the ACT English section, and it's also one of the easiest to master once you know what to look for. The basic principle is simple: a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. Yet the ACT makes this seemingly straightforward rule surprisingly tricky by burying subjects under layers of intervening phrases, using unusual sentence structures, and selecting subjects that are inherently confusing (like indefinite pronouns and collective nouns).
On the ACT English section, you'll encounter 75 questions across five passages in 45 minutes — roughly 36 seconds per question. Subject-verb agreement questions typically appear 3–5 times per test. While that may seem like a small number, these questions are high-value because they follow predictable patterns. Once you learn to identify the true subject of a sentence, you can answer these questions quickly and accurately, freeing up time for more complex rhetoric and organization questions.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT English section is entirely passage-based with underlined portions. Subject-verb agreement errors usually appear in the underlined section, with answer choices offering different verb forms. Your job is to find the actual subject, determine whether it's singular or plural, and match the verb accordingly. This guide will teach you exactly how to do that.
Core Concepts
The Basic Rule
A singular subject requires a singular verb. A plural subject requires a plural verb.
- The dog runs in the park. (singular subject "dog" → singular verb "runs")
- The dogs run in the park. (plural subject "dogs" → plural verb "run")
Remember: In the present tense, singular verbs typically end in "-s" (runs, walks, seems), while plural verbs do not (run, walk, seem). This is the opposite of how nouns work (where the "-s" marks plural), which sometimes causes confusion.
Intervening Phrases and Clauses
The ACT's favorite trick is placing words between the subject and verb to make you lose track of the true subject. These intervening elements include prepositional phrases, relative clauses, and appositives.
Prepositional Phrases
The object of a preposition is never the subject. Cross out prepositional phrases mentally to find the real subject.
- The bouquet of roses sits on the table. (Subject: "bouquet" — singular, not "roses")
- The results of the experiment were inconclusive. (Subject: "results" — plural, not "experiment")
- One of the students has been selected. (Subject: "one" — singular, not "students")
Common prepositions that create traps: of, in, with, among, between, along with, together with, as well as, including.
Important: Phrases like "along with," "together with," "as well as," and "in addition to" do NOT make a singular subject plural.
- The captain, along with her teammates, is ready for the match. (Subject: "captain" — singular)
- The painting, as well as the sculptures, was donated to the museum. (Subject: "painting" — singular)
Compound Subjects
When two or more subjects are joined by "and," they generally form a plural subject.
- The teacher and the principal are meeting today. (Two subjects joined by "and" → plural)
Exception: When "and" joins two things that form a single unit or concept, use a singular verb.
- Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich. (One concept)
- The rise and fall of the empire is a fascinating story. (One concept)
When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
- Neither the students nor the teacher was aware of the change. ("teacher" is closest → singular)
- Neither the teacher nor the students were aware of the change. ("students" is closest → plural)
- Either the manager or the employees are responsible. ("employees" is closest → plural)
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns are the most commonly tested subject-verb agreement trap on the ACT.
Always Singular: each, every, everyone, everybody, everything, anyone, anybody, anything, someone, somebody, something, no one, nobody, nothing, either, neither, one
- Each of the contestants has a unique talent. (Not "have")
- Everyone in the audience was impressed. (Not "were")
- Neither of the solutions works perfectly. (Not "work")
Always Plural: both, few, many, several
- Both of the candidates are qualified.
- Several of the windows were broken.
Singular or Plural (depends on the object of "of"): some, any, none, all, most
- Some of the cake is left. ("cake" is singular → singular verb)
- Some of the cookies are left. ("cookies" is plural → plural verb)
- All of the information has been verified. ("information" is uncountable/singular)
- All of the documents have been verified. ("documents" is plural)
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns (team, committee, group, family, audience, jury, class, faculty) are typically treated as singular on the ACT when the group acts as one unit.
- The team is celebrating its victory.
- The committee has reached a decision.
- The audience was captivated by the performance.
On the ACT, collective nouns are almost always singular. When in doubt, choose the singular verb.
Inverted Sentences
In standard English, the subject comes before the verb. But some sentence structures reverse this order, making it harder to identify the subject.
Sentences beginning with "There" or "Here"
"There" and "here" are never subjects. Look after the verb to find the true subject.
- There are several reasons for the delay. (Subject: "reasons" → plural)
- There is a problem with the plumbing. (Subject: "problem" → singular)
- Here comes the parade. (Subject: "parade" → singular)
Questions
- Where are the keys? (Subject: "keys" → plural)
- Does the new policy affect all employees? (Subject: "policy" → singular)
Sentences with inverted structure for emphasis
- Among the ruins stands an ancient temple. (Subject: "temple" → singular)
- Beneath the surface lie hidden treasures. (Subject: "treasures" → plural)
Relative Clauses (Who, Which, That)
When a relative pronoun (who, which, that) is the subject of a clause, the verb agrees with the antecedent — the noun the pronoun refers to.
- She is one of the students who are going on the trip. ("who" refers to "students" → plural)
- He is the only one of the students who is going on the trip. ("who" refers to "only one" → singular)
- The book that was on the shelf has been moved. ("that" refers to "book" → singular)
Strategy Tips
Tip 1: Find the Subject First, Always
Before looking at the answer choices, identify the actual subject of the sentence. Cross out all prepositional phrases, appositives, and other interrupting elements mentally. The subject is the noun that's actually performing the action or being described.
Tip 2: Cross Out Intervening Phrases
Physically or mentally bracket any phrase between the subject and verb. If you see "of the," "along with," "as well as," "in addition to," or "together with," the words after these phrases are NOT the subject. Ignore them for agreement purposes.
Tip 3: Watch for Inverted Word Order
When a sentence begins with "There is/are," "Here is/are," or a prepositional phrase, the subject comes after the verb. Train yourself to look past the verb to find the true subject.
Tip 4: Memorize Indefinite Pronoun Categories
Know which indefinite pronouns are always singular (each, every, everyone, neither, either, etc.) and which are always plural (both, few, many, several). For the "either/or" group (some, all, most, none, any), check what follows "of."
Tip 5: Simplify the Sentence
If a sentence is long and confusing, strip it down to just the subject and verb. "The collection of rare stamps that belonged to my grandmother has been donated" becomes "The collection has been donated." This makes the agreement obvious.
Tip 6: Check Each Answer Choice for Number
On ACT questions where answer choices offer different verb forms, quickly categorize each as singular or plural. Then match to your identified subject. This eliminates choices immediately.
Worked Example: Example 1
The discovery of ancient artifacts in the caves near the village _____ researchers from around the world.
(A) attract (B) have attracted (C) attracts (D) are attracting
First, find the subject. Cross out all prepositional phrases: "of ancient artifacts," "in the caves," "near the village." The subject is "discovery" — singular. A singular subject needs a singular verb. Choices (A) "attract," (B) "have attracted," and (D) "are attracting" are all plural. Only (C) "attracts" is singular. Answer: (C)
Worked Example: Example 2
Neither the coach nor the players _____ satisfied with the outcome of the game.
(F) was (G) were (H) is (J) has been
With "neither...nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. The closest subject is "players" — plural. We need a plural verb: "were." Choices (F) "was," (H) "is," and (J) "has been" are all singular. Answer: (G)
Worked Example: Example 3
Each of the volunteers who participated in the fundraiser _____ recognized at the ceremony.
(A) were (B) are being (C) was (D) have been
The main subject is "Each" — an indefinite pronoun that is always singular. Don't be distracted by "volunteers" (object of "of") or "who participated" (relative clause modifying "volunteers"). "Each...was recognized" is correct. Answer: (C)
Worked Example: Example 4
There _____ several factors contributing to the decline in bee populations worldwide.
(F) is (G) has been (H) are (J) was
"There" is never the subject. Look after the verb: "several factors" is the true subject — plural. We need a plural verb: "are." All other choices are singular. Answer: (H)
Worked Example: Example 5
The committee, along with its advisory board members, _____ to present the findings at next month's conference.
(A) plan (B) plans (C) are planning (D) have planned
The phrase "along with its advisory board members" is an intervening phrase — it does NOT create a compound subject. The true subject is "committee" — a singular collective noun. We need a singular verb: "plans." Choices (A), (C), and (D) are plural forms. Answer: (B)
Practice Problems
Problem 1
The stack of old newspapers on the front porch _____ beginning to attract insects.
(A) are (B) were (C) is (D) have been
Problem 2
Everyone who attended the workshops _____ given a certificate of completion.
(F) were (G) are (H) was (J) have been
Problem 3
Either the director or the producers _____ to approve the final script before filming begins.
(A) needs (B) need (C) is needing (D) has needed
Problem 4
Among the many exhibits at the science museum _____ a life-size replica of a Tyrannosaurus rex.
(F) stand (G) are (H) stands (J) have stood
Problem 5
Some of the evidence presented at the trial _____ later found to be unreliable.
(A) were (B) are (C) have been (D) was
Answers: 1. (C) — Subject is "stack" (singular); "of old newspapers" and "on the front porch" are prepositional phrases. 2. (H) — "Everyone" is always singular; "who attended the workshops" is a relative clause, not the subject. 3. (B) — With "either...or," the verb agrees with the nearest subject, "producers" (plural). 4. (H) — This is an inverted sentence; the subject is "replica" (singular), which comes after the verb. 5. (D) — "Some" takes its number from "evidence" (uncountable/singular), so use the singular verb "was."
Want to check your answers and get step-by-step solutions?
Common Mistakes
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Matching the verb to the nearest noun instead of the true subject. In "The box of chocolates is on the table," students often match the verb to "chocolates" instead of "box." Always find the actual subject by crossing out prepositional phrases.
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Treating "along with" and "as well as" like "and." These phrases do NOT create compound subjects. "The president, as well as the senators, is attending" — the subject is "president" alone.
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Forgetting that "each," "every," and "neither" are singular. These words are singular even when followed by plural nouns: "Each of the players is" (not "are").
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Errors with "there is" vs. "there are." Since "there" is not the subject, you must look at what follows the verb: "There are five apples" (not "There is five apples").
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Misidentifying collective nouns as plural. On the ACT, "team," "committee," "group," "jury," and similar words are almost always treated as singular: "The team is" (not "The team are").
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Confusion with inverted sentences. When a sentence starts with a prepositional phrase and the subject comes after the verb, students often match the verb to the object of the preposition. "Among the trees stands a cabin" — "cabin" is the subject, not "trees."
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does subject-verb agreement appear on the ACT?
You can expect 3–5 subject-verb agreement questions per test. While not the most frequently tested concept, these questions are highly predictable and almost always follow the patterns described in this guide. They represent reliable points you can earn with solid preparation.
What's the fastest way to find the subject in a complex sentence?
Cross out all prepositional phrases (starting with of, in, with, at, for, among, between, etc.), appositives (phrases set off by commas that rename a noun), and relative clauses (starting with who, which, that). What remains will include your subject and main verb. On the ACT, this technique works for virtually every agreement question.
Is "none" singular or plural?
It depends. "None" can be singular or plural based on what it refers to. "None of the water was contaminated" (singular — water is uncountable). "None of the students were absent" (plural — students is countable and plural). On the ACT, check the noun in the prepositional phrase following "none."
What about "the number of" vs. "a number of"?
"The number of" is singular: "The number of applicants has increased." "A number of" is plural: "A number of applicants have submitted their forms." This distinction occasionally appears on the ACT.
Do I need to worry about subjunctive mood for agreement?
The subjunctive mood (using "were" instead of "was" in hypothetical statements like "If I were you") can appear on the ACT, but it's rare. The vast majority of agreement questions test the patterns covered in this guide: intervening phrases, indefinite pronouns, compound subjects, and inverted sentences.
Key Takeaways
Find the true subject by eliminating prepositional phrases. The ACT's number-one trick is placing distracting nouns between the subject and verb. Cross out phrases starting with "of," "in," "with," etc., and the real subject emerges.
"Along with" and "as well as" are not the same as "and." These phrases don't create compound subjects. The verb agrees only with the original subject before the phrase.
Indefinite pronouns follow strict rules. Memorize that each, every, everyone, either, and neither are always singular. Both, few, many, and several are always plural. Some, all, most, none, and any depend on the noun they refer to.
With "or" and "nor," match the verb to the closest subject. When subjects are joined by "or," "nor," "either...or," or "neither...nor," the verb agrees with whichever subject is nearest to it.
Inverted sentences require extra attention. When sentences begin with "there," "here," or a prepositional phrase, the subject follows the verb. Look past the verb to find your subject before selecting an answer.
Collective nouns are singular on the ACT. Team, committee, group, family, audience, jury — treat them all as singular unless the question makes it unmistakably clear that individual members are acting separately.
Simplify, then solve. Strip complex sentences down to their core subject-verb pair. If "The collection of rare stamps from five different countries has been donated" confuses you, just see "collection...has been donated" and the answer is clear.