What if words come between the subject and verb?

Ignore them and find the real subject — "The list of items is long," not "are," because the subject is list, not items.

Are words like each, everyone, and nobody singular or plural?

They're singular. Use a singular verb: "Everyone has a ticket," "Each of the answers is correct."

Does "along with" or "as well as" make the verb plural like "and" does?

No — "and" joining two subjects makes the verb plural ("My friend and I are late"), but phrases added with with, along with, or as well as don't change the subject, so the verb stays singular: "The manager, along with two staff, is attending."

Grammar

Subject–Verb Agreement

Make the verb match the subject every time — including the tricky cases (each, everyone, words between subject and verb) that trip up even strong writers.

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Quick answer · Match the verb to the subject, not to any word sitting between them: find the true subject first, then check singular or plural.

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More · 3 common questions

CELPIP raters can spot these errors instantly, so they cost you control marks. Watch three traps: phrases between subject and verb, singular words like each/everyone/nobody, and "and" versus "with."

What if words come between the subject and verb?: Ignore them and find the real subject — "The list of items is long," not "are," because the subject is list, not items.
Are words like each, everyone, and nobody singular or plural?: They're singular. Use a singular verb: "Everyone has a ticket," "Each of the answers is correct."
Does "along with" or "as well as" make the verb plural like "and" does?: No — "and" joining two subjects makes the verb plural ("My friend and I are late"), but phrases added with with, along with, or as well as don't change the subject, so the verb stays singular: "The manager, along with two staff, is attending."

Key strategies

1.A singular subject takes a singular verb; a plural subject takes a plural verb: "The dog runs." / "The dogs run."
2.Ignore words BETWEEN the subject and verb: "The box of chocolates IS on the table." (box, not chocolates)
3.Each, every, everyone, someone, nobody are SINGULAR: "Everyone is here." "Each student has a book."
4.Two subjects joined by "and" are plural: "My brother and I are going."

The basic rule

The verb must agree with its subject in number:

"She writes well." (singular) — "They write well." (plural)

Trap 1: words between subject and verb

Phrases between the subject and verb do not change the agreement. Find the real subject:

✓ "The list of items is long." (the subject is list, not items) ✗ "The list of items are long."

Trap 2: indefinite pronouns are singular

Each, every, everyone, everybody, someone, anyone, nobody, neither take a singular verb:

✓ "Everyone has a ticket." ✗ "Everyone have a ticket." ✓ "Each of the answers is correct."

Trap 3: "and" vs. "with"

Two subjects joined by and are plural. But a phrase added with with / along with / as well as does not change the subject:

"My friend and I are late." (plural) "The manager, along with two staff, is attending." (subject is still manager)

CELPIP application

Agreement errors weaken the grammar and sentence structure of your response. When you proofread your Writing, check each verb against its true subject — especially after long phrases.

Check yourself

A quick self-check on this lesson — pick an answer, then see the explanation. Not graded.

1. Choose the correct verb: "The box of old photos ___ in the attic."

2. "Everyone in the classes ___ a laptop."

3. "My sister and I ___ planning a trip."

4. "The teacher, as well as the students, ___ excited."

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