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.

6 min read · Updated June 18, 2026 · By the Celpip.me editorial team · Free

Quick answer

Updated Sep 16, 2026

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

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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 are easy for a rater to catch and they signal weaker control. 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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