Collective nouns, such as family, majority, audience, and committee, are singular when they act in a collective fashion or represent one group.

	List of Common Collective Nouns army clergy government audience council jury band (musical) crowd majority board (political) department minority cabinet (political) enemy public choir group school class herd senate committee faculty society company family   corporation team

In the sentence below we are presented with the noun majority.

The majority of shareholders likely contains several shareholders; however, they are only spoken of as a group, not as individuals. There is no indication that the sentence is referring to the individuals within the majority – even
though it comprises several people, the majority acts as one – as a singular entity. Therefore majority requires a singular verb, wants.


Next, for the sake of contrast, let's take a look at a collective noun that requires a plural verb:

Collective nouns are plural when the members of the collective body act as individuals.

The sentence above describes the fighting that occurs between the individual members of the team. Because team refers to several individual members in this case, it is a plural noun, and therefore requires the plural verb are as a result.

Basic rules for compound subjects:

1. Phrases or words separated by "and" are plural;
2. Phrases separated by "or" or "nor" are singular.
   

In this example, we see a list of three names. Because these names – Ted, John, I – are separated by the word and, the plural form of the verb is used. The subject is plural because it refers to more than one person (place, thing, or event), and plural subjects require plural verbs. When a list of things is separated by the word nor, the singular form of the verb is used.

A. Pronouns

	A. The following pronouns are always singular: anyone everything something anybody whatever no one anything whoever/whomever nobody everyone someone nothing everybody somebody

Many of the words in this category can be broken down in a way that illustrates their singular nature:

	B. The following pronouns are always plural: both many several few others

	C. The following indefinite pronouns could be either singular or plural depending on context: some none most any all

Some of the bananas are brown.

Some of the banana is brown.

Both sentences are correct. Why does the first require a plural verb and the second a singular? Because, in the first sentence, some refers to several distinct objects:

If we have ten bananas, then some of the bananas means many individual bananas. In the second sentence, some refers to part of one object:

One part of one banana is brown. In this sentence, some means one part (of a banana), which is singular.

The general rule applies:

This trick works for the following pronouns: some, all, any, and most. These pronouns will almost always be followed by a noun or by the prepositional phrase “of + noun”: some of the dogs, most of the cake, any of the individuals, etc. In either case, you can use the flowchart above to determine which verb to use. 

The same principle applies even if the verb comes before the pronoun in the sentence.  This often happens with the pronoun any.

As in the other examples, the number of the noun determines the number of the verb. If a singular noun follows the pronoun, use a singular verb.  If a plural noun follows the pronoun, use a plural verb.

Hint: If you are having trouble determining whether the noun is singular or plural, try replacing the noun in question with a pronoun. If the pronoun is singular (“it”), use a singular verb.  If the pronoun is plural (“them”), use a plural verb.

This example is grammatically identical to the one above except that the correlative conjunction joining the subjects is either...or. The verb must therefore agree with the subject closest which is the singular noun child. The proper verb form is the singular is.

Remember to apply this rule only when both items of the pairs "neither/nor" and "either/or" are present in the sentence.

Basic sentences follow the pattern Subject — Verb — Object.

Here is an example:

To identify the subject, look for the noun that is doing the action indicated by the verb. The object is the noun receiving the action. The first noun in the sentence, dog, is performing the action indicated by the active verb, ate. The noun dog is therefore the subject of the sentence. The only remaining noun, homework, is the object. This noun describes what the dog ate.

Some sentences stray from this pattern. In sentences that begin with the adverbs Here or There, the subject follows the verb. When all nouns in the sentence follow the verb, it can be very difficult to figure out which of those nouns is the subject. What should you do in those situations?

Let's look at an example:

Incorrect: There is many reasons why I can't help you.

This sentence contains two verb constructions is and can't help plus three nouns/pronouns reasons, I, and you. The subject is the noun that comes directly after the first verb: There + is/are + subject. The rest of the sentence is a subordinate clause.  Since the subject, many reasons, is plural, it takes the plural verb are.

Correct: There are many reasons why I can't help you.

The subordinate clause why I can't help you has no effect on subject-verb agreement in the main clause. This part of the sentence functions as a direct object.
 

Note that there is only one noun reasons and one verb are in the main clause.  Ignore nouns and verbs in dependent clauses and “filler” phrases when hunting for the subject and main verb.

The phrase the number of requires a singular verb. The phrase a number of requires a plural verb.

Consider the following sentences, both of which are grammatically correct:

The number of frogs in the pond is twice the number of fish.

A number of protestors are gathering outside the capitol building today.

The number refers to a specific but unspecified number, and takes a singular verb. A number of is an idiom that simply means “several” and takes a plural verb.

When you see either phrase – "the number of" or "a number of" – disregard the number of the noun following it because that noun will always be plural. To ensure that you don’t mistake the noun inside the prepositional phrase for the subject, always cross out prepositional phrases:
 
 

The noun following the number of does not impact the verb because the subject of the sentence is number, which is singular. The noun following a number of will always be plural, because a number of means “several.”

	A quick summary of how to recognize subject-verb agreement errors. Look for ... A subject and verb separated by a superfluous phrase set off by commas ("the sandwich"), a prepositional phrase, or an adjectival phrase ("filler phrases"). Collective nouns like majority, audience, family… Other confusing nouns like data/datum (data, often misused as a singular noun, is the plural of datum). Separation by conjunctions such as "and," "nor," or "neither."

Now test your comprehension with the following practice question. 

The three friends, Max included, was supposed to meet for dinner later that night.
 
A) was supposed to meet
B) was supposed to have met
C) were suppose to be meeting
D) were supposed to meet
E) they were supposed to be meeting
 

The three friends, Max included, was supposed to meet for dinner later that night.

Grammar issue presented: Subject/Verb Agreement

The subject of this sentence is friends which is plural.  The phrase Max included is set off by commas and, like any “sandwich” phrase, can be crossed out to help isolate the subject and the main verb:

The three friends, Max included, was…

The plural subject friends does not agree with the singular verb was. We need the plural verb were.

A) was supposed to meet
Subject / verb agreement? NO – three friends (plural) : was (singular)

B) was supposed to have met
Subject / verb agreement? NO – three friends (plural) : was (singular)

C) were suppose to be meeting
Subject / verb agreement? YES – three friends (plural) : were (plural)
Additional errors? Diction: “suppose to be” should read “supposed to be”

D) were supposed to meet
Subject / verb agreement? YES – three friends (plural) : were (plural)
Additional errors? No

E) they were supposed to be meeting
Subject / verb agreement? YES – three friends (plural) : were (plural)
Additional errors? Pronouns: “they” is superfluous

(D) is correct.

The number of students chosen for the prestigious medical internship have more than doubled in the past fifteen years.

A) have more than doubled
B) have been more than doubling
C) has more than doubled
D) has been more than doubling
E) has doubled even more
 

The number of students chosen for the prestigious medical internship have more than doubled in the past fifteen years.

Grammar issue presented: Subject/Verb Agreement

The phrase The number of is a singular subject that does not agree with the plural verb have…doubled. We need the singular verb has…doubled. 

A) have more than doubled
Subject / verb agreement? NO – The number of students (singular) : have…doubled (plural)

B) have been more than doubling
Subject / verb agreement? NO – The number of students (singular) : have…doubling (plural)

C) has more than doubled
Subject / verb agreement? YES – The number of students (singular) : has…doubled (singular)
Additional errors? NO

D) has been more than doubling
Subject / verb agreement? YES – The number of students (singular) : has been…doubling (singular)
Additional errors? Verb tense: The verb form “has been…doubling” is inappropriate for an action that has already been completed.

E) has doubled even more
Subject / verb agreement? YES – The number of students (singular) : has doubled (singular)
Additional errors? Idioms: “has doubled even more” is the wrong idiom to express the notion of something “more than doubling.” 

(C) is correct.

Following intense debate, the faculty has approved the measure to increase class size by 15% over the next four years.

A) the faculty has approved the measure to increase
B) the faculty has approved the measure and increased
C) the faculty have approved the measure to increase
D) the faculty have given their approval to the measure to increase
E) the faculty, having approved the measure to increase
 

Following intense debate, the faculty has approved the measure to increase class size by 15% over the next four years.

Grammar issue presented: Subject/Verb Agreement

The collective noun faculty refers to the members of the faculty as a collective body; the members of the faculty acted as one in making the decision to approve the measure. We therefore need the singular verb has approved.

A) the faculty has approved the measure to increase
Subject/verb agreement: YES – faculty (singular) : has approved (singular)
Additional errors? NO

B) the faculty has approved the measure and increased
Subject/verb agreement: YES – faculty (singular) : has approved (singular)
Additional errors? Verb tense: the faculty has made the decision “to increase“class size

C) the faculty have approved the measure to increase
Subject/verb agreement: NO – faculty (singular) : have approved (plural)

D) the faculty have given their approval to the measure to increase
Subject/verb agreement: NO – faculty (singular) : have approved (plural)

E) the faculty, having approved the measure to increase
Subject/verb agreement: NO – faculty (singular) : have approved (plural)

(A) is correct.

Without proper funding and a better campaign strategy, there is no chances that our candidate will be elected to office.

A) there is no chances that
B) there can be no chance for
C) there is no chance that
D) there are no chances for
E) there will be no chances for
 

Without proper funding and a better campaign strategy, there is no chances that our candidate will be elected to office.

Grammar issue presented: Subject/Verb Agreement, Idioms

The introductory phrase Without proper funding…strategy does not affect subject-verb agreement in the main clause. The singular verb is does not agree with the plural subject chances. The correct idiom is there is no chance that, so we need the singular verb is and the singular noun chance.

A) there is no chances that
Subject / verb agreement? NO – is (singular) : chances (plural)

B) there can be no chance for
Subject / verb agreement? YES – can be (singular or plural) : chance (singular)
Additional errors? Diction: The preposition “for” is incorrect unless it is accompanied by the infinitive “to win” after "our candidate," which it is not.

C) there is no chance that
Subject / verb agreement? YES – is (singular) : chance (singular)
Additional errors? NO

D) there are no chances for
Subject / verb agreement? YES – are (plural) : chances (plural)
Additional errors? Diction: The preposition “for” is incorrect unless it is accompanied by the infinitive “to win” after "our candidate," which it is not.

E) there will be no chances for
Subject / verb agreement? YES – will be (singular or plural) : chances (plural)
Additional errors? Diction: the preposition “for” is incorrect unless it is accompanied by the infinitive “to win” after "our candidate," which it is not.

(C) is correct.

Some members of the tribe has been protesting the recent passage of hunting laws applying to indigenous populations.

A) members of the tribe has been protesting
B) members of the tribe have been protesting
C) tribe members has been protesting
D) tribe members will have been protesting
E) members of the tribe, having protested
 

Some members of the tribe has been protesting the recent passage of hunting laws applying to indigenous populations.

Grammar issue presented: Subject/Verb Agreement

The plural subject Some members does not agree with the singular verb has been protesting. To help isolate the subject and verb, cross out any prepositional phrases, which do not impact agreement in the main clause:

Some members of the tribe has been protesting the recent passage of hunting laws applying to indigenous populations.

Note that here, the subject is Some members, which is the same as saying Some of the members. This construction requires the plural verb have been protesting.

A) members of the tribe has been protesting
Subject / verb agreement? NO – Some members (plural) : has been protesting (singular)

B) members of the tribe have been protesting
Subject / verb agreement? YES – Some members (plural) : have been protesting (plural)
Additional errors? NO

C) tribe members has been protesting
Subject / verb agreement? NO – Some tribe members (plural)/ has been protesting (singular)

D) tribe members will have been protesting
Subject / verb agreement? YES – Some tribe members (plural) : will have been protesting (plural)
Additional errors? Verb tense: “will have been protesting” implies that the action takes place in the future, but the protest is happening now.

E) members of the tribe, having protested
Subject / verb agreement? NO – Agreement does not apply here because the main clause has no verb.

(B) is correct.

After she attended the career fair, many more resources were at Philippa’s disposal, including job boards, new contacts, and numerous books and pamphlets to help her improve her resume and cover letter.

A) many more resources were at Philippa’s disposal
B) at Philippa’s disposal were many more resources
C) there were many more resources at Philippa’s disposal
D) Philippa, at her disposal, had many more resources
E) Philippa had many more resources at her disposal

After she attended the career fair, many more resources were at Philippa’s disposal, including job boards, new contacts, and numerous books and pamphlets to help her improve her resume and cover letter.

Grammar issue presented: Modifiers (misplaced modifiers)

The introductory phrase includes the pronoun “she,” so we know that this modifier must refer to Philippa. However, the phrase “many more resources” is next to the modifying phrase. The word “Philippa” must immediately follow the comma.

A) many more resources were at Philippa’s disposal
Modifier used correctly? NO – After she attended the career fair is followed by many more resources

B) at Philippa’s disposal were many more resources
Modifier used correctly? NO – After she attended the career fair is followed by at Philippa’s disposal

C) there were many more resources at Philippa’s disposal
Modifier used correctly? NO – After she attended the career fair is followed by there were

D) Philippa, at her disposal, had many more resources
Modifier used correctly? YES – After she attended the career fair is followed by Philippa
Additional errors? Awkward construction: The correct expression is “had x at her disposal.”

E) Philippa had many more resources at her disposal
Modifier used correctly? YES – After she attended the career fair is followed by Philippa.
Additional errors? NO

(E) is correct.

The results of the study clearly indicates a reduction in the number of useable pounds that can be salvaged from an average ton of recyclable goods.

A) indicates a reduction
B) indicates that a reduction
C) indicating a reducing
D) indicate a reducing
E) indicate a reduction
 

The results of the study clearly indicates a reduction in the number of useable pounds that can be salvaged from an average ton of recycled goods.

Grammar issue presented: subject/verb agreement

The subject of this sentence is the plural noun results.  The prepositional phrase of the study can be crossed out to help isolate the subject and verb:

The results of the study clearly indicates a reduction…

The singular verb indicates does not agree with the plural subject, results. We need the plural verb indicate.

A) indicates a reduction
Subject / verb agreement? NO – results (plural) : indicates (singular)

B) indicates that a reduction
Subject / verb agreement? NO – results (plural) : indicates (singular)
Additional errors? None

C) indicating a reducing
Subject / verb agreement? NO – results (plural) : indicating (wrong verb form)

D) indicate a reducing
Subject / verb agreement? YES – results (plural) : indicating (plural)
Additional errors? Diction: The correct expression is “a reduction in,” not “a reducing in.”

E) indicate a reduction
Subject / verb agreement? YES – results (plural) : indicate (singular)
Additional errors? No

(E) is correct. 

1. The president of Costa Rica, along with two vice presidents, are elected for a four-year term by the people.

A) are elected for a four-year term by the people
B) are elected, by the people, for a four-year term
C) is elected for a four-year term by the people
D) are elected for four-year terms by the people
E) is elected for four-year terms by the people
 

The president of Costa Rica, along with two vice-presidents, are elected for a four-year term by the people.

Grammar issue presented: Subject/Verb Agreement (subject/verb separation)

The sandwich phrase along with two vice-presidents separates the subject, the president of Costa Rica (singular), from the verb are (plural). To help isolate the subject and verb, cross out the "sandwich" phrase as well as any prepositional phrases:

The president of Costa Rica, along with two vice presidents, are elected....

The noun president is singular and does not agree with the plural verb are. We need the singular verb is.

A) are elected for a four-year term by the people
Subject / verb agreement? NO - (president : are)

B) are elected, by the people, for a four-year term
Subject / verb agreement? NO - (president : are)

C) is elected for a four-year term by the people
Subject / verb agreement? YES - (president : is)
Additional errors? NO

D) are elected for four-year terms by the people
Subject / verb agreement? NO - (president : are)

E) is elected for four-year terms by the people
Subject / verb agreement? YES - (president : is)
Additional errors? Change in meaning: four-year terms

(C) is correct.

2. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which contains 120,000 objects from prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman period, are home to one of the most impressive collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts.

A) which contains 120,000 objects from prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman period, are home to
B) which contain 120,000 objects from prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman period, are home to
C) containing 120,000 objects from prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman period, are home to
D) which is containing 120,000 objects from prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman period, are home to
E) which contains 120,000 objects from prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman period, is home to
 

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which contains 120,000 objects from prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman period, are home to one of the most impressive collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts.

Grammar issue presented: Subject/Verb Agreement (subject/verb separation)

The phrase which contains 120,000 objects from prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman period separates The Egyptian Museum in Cairo (singular) from the verb are (plural). To help isolate the subject and verb, cross out the "sandwich" phrase as well as any prepositional phrases:

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which contains 120,000 objects from prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman period, are home to…

The singular noun Museum does not agree with the plural verb are.  We need the singular verb is.

A) which contains 120,000 objects from prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman period, are home to
Subject / verb agreement? NO - museum : are

B) which contain 120,000 objects from prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman period, are home to
Subject / verb agreement? NO - museum : are
Additional errors? Agreement: Contain (plural) does not agree with Museum (singular)

C) containing 120,000 objects from prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman period, are home to
Subject / verb agreement? NO - museum : are

D) which is containing 120,000 objects from prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman period, are home to
Subject / verb agreement? NO - museum : are

E) which contains 120,000 objects from prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman period, is home to
Subject / verb agreement: YES - museum : is
Additional error? NO

(E) is correct.

3. A number of colorful glass vases were displayed in the store window.

A) were displayed in the store window
B) was displaying in the store window
C) was displayed in the store window
D) displayed in the store window
E) was being displayed in the store window

A number of colorful glass vases were displayed in the store window.

Grammar issue presented: Subject/Verb Agreement (Quantity Words)

"A number of" always takes a plural verb
"The number of" always takes a singular verb

The subject is the idiom A number of. To help isolate the subject and verb, remember to cross out prepositional phrases:

A number of colorful glass vases were displayed…

The plural subject A number (of colorful glass vases) correctly agrees with the plural verb were.

A) were displayed in the store window
Subject/verb agreement? YES - a number of : were displayed
Additional errors? NO

B) was displaying in the store window
Subject/verb agreement? NO - a number of : was displaying
Additional errors? Verb form: displaying is the wrong form; displayed is correct.

C) was displayed in the store window
Subject/verb agreement? NO - a number of : was displayed

D) displayed in the store window
Subject/verb agreement? NO - part of the verb (was : were) is missing

E) was being displayed in the store window
Subject/verb agreement? NO - a number of : was displayed

(A) is correct.

4. Neither of our school’s students nominated for the national spelling bee were able to win the competition.

A) Neither of our school’s students nominated for the national spelling bee were
B) Neither of our school’s students nominated for the national spelling bee was
C) Neither of the students from our school nominated for the national spelling bee were
D) Neither of the students nominated for the national spelling bee from our school were
E) Neither one of our school’s students who was nominated for the national spelling bee was
 

Neither of our school’s students nominated for the national spelling bee were able to win the competition.

Grammar issue presented: Subject/Verb Agreement (neither/either)

"Neither" is always a singular subject and thus takes a singular verb. The original sentence uses the verb were, which is plural. To help isolate the subject and verb, cross off prepositional phrases:

Neither of our school’s students nominated for the national spelling bee were able…

The singular subject Neither does not agree with the plural verb were.  We need the singular verb was.

A) Neither of our school’s students nominated for the national spelling bee were
Subject/verb agreement: NO - neither : were

B) Neither of our school’s students nominated for the national spelling bee was
Subject/verb agreement: YES - neither : was
Additional errors? NO

C) Neither of the students from our school nominated for the national spelling bee were
Subject/verb agreement: NO - neither : were

D) Neither of the students nominated for the national spelling bee from our school were
Subject/verb agreement: NO - neither : were

E) Neither one of our school’s students who was nominated for the national spelling bee was
Subject/verb agreement: YES - neither : were
Additional errors? Wordy: neither one, who was.

(B) is correct.

5. Everybody at the party love the chocolate cake Shelley made.

A) Everybody at the party love the chocolate cake Shelley made.
B) Everybody at the party loving the chocolate cake Shelley made.
C) Everybody at the party loves the chocolate cake Shelley made.
D) Everybody love the chocolate cake Shelley made at the party.
E) Everybody loves the chocolate cake Shelley made at the party.
 

Everybody at the party love the chocolate cake Shelley made.

Grammar issue presented:Subject/Verb Agreement (plural/singular)

Everybody is a singular subject and thus takes a singular verb. Love is the plural form of the verb. To help isolate the subject and verb, remember to cross out prepositional phrases:

Everybody at the party love…

The singular subject Everybody does not agree with the plural verb love.  We need the singular verb loves.

A) Everybody at the party love the chocolate cake Shelley made.
Subject/verb agreement? NO - everybody : love

B) Everybody at the party loving the chocolate cake Shelley made.
Subject/verb agreement? NO - the verb is in the wrong form; it should read is/are loving.

C) Everybody at the party loves the chocolate cake Shelley made.
Subject/verb agreement? YES - everybody : loves
Additional errors? NO

D) Everybody love the chocolate cake Shelley made at the party.
Subject/verb agreement? NO - everybody : love

E) Everybody loves the chocolate cake Shelley made at the party.
Subject/verb agreement? YES - everybody : loves
Additional errors? Change in meaning: The phrase the cake Shelley made at the party indicates that Shelley made the cake while she was at the party.

(C) is correct.

6. The public are receiving the new mayor well though she was mostly unheard of prior to the election.

A) The public are receiving the new mayor well though she was
B) The public receive the new mayor well though she was
C) The public is receiving the new mayor well though she was
D) The public is receiving the new mayor well though she is
E) The public are receiving the new mayor well though she is

The public are receiving the new mayor well though she was mostly unheard of prior to the election.

Grammar issue presented: Subject/Verb Agreement (collective nouns)

Public, although made up of individual members, functions as a singular group and thus takes a singular verb. Are is plural.

A) The public are receiving the new mayor well though she was
Subject/verb agreement? NO - public : are

B) The public receive the new mayor well though she was
Subject/verb agreement? NO - public : receive

C) The public is receiving the new mayor well though she was
Subject/verb agreement? YES - (public : is)
Additional errors? NO

Incorrect: After she returned from the three-week vacation, she looked very well.

Correct: After she returned from the three-week vacation, she looked very good.

Location of Modification – Misplaced Modifiers

What's wrong with the following sentence?

Finally thinking clearly, the book was able to be understood by Rebecca.

The meaning of the sentence seems clear enough: Rebecca finally understood the book after she started thinking clearly.

But what does the sentence actually say? If you look closely, you'll see that the introductory phrase actually refers to "the book," not "Rebecca":

Finally thinking clearly, the book was able ...

This construction makes it seem as if the book were thinking clearly. What went wrong?

Modifiers can be groups of words – known as adjectival or adverbial phrases or clauses – that describe another part of the sentence. Like adjectives and adverbs, these multiple-word modifiers must be placed as close as possible to the word or group of words they're modifying.

Modifiers that fail to observe this rule are called "misplaced modifiers."

Even though the modifier is followed immediately by "the book," we might very easily assume that because a book can't think, we can overlook its placement in the sentence as the phrase "Finally thinking clearly" must refer to "Rebecca." According to the rules of English grammar, a modifier must always be placed as close as possible to the word it's modifying.

Incorrect: Finally thinking clearly, the book was able to be understood by Rebecca.

Correct: Finally thinking clearly, Rebecca was able to understand the book.

Try another example:

Upon arriving at the train station, his friends greeted Jay and took him immediately to his speaking engagement in Springfield.

Take a closer look: let's break it down and check to make sure that the modifiers are placed where they belong.

First find the modifying phrase: look for a descriptive group of words set off by a comma or commas. Here, we have one phrase that looks like that: Upon arriving at the train station. After identifying the modifier, the next step is to figure out which word/s it should be modifying, and which word/s it actually is modifying. Because the modifier is right next to the phrase his friends, it sounds like Jay's friends are arriving, rather than Jay himself. We want Jay to be arriving at the station.

To correct the error, move the noun so that it sits right next to the phrase that modifies it.  Sometimes this requires making other small modifications to the sentence, such as changing the form of the verb:

Upon arriving at the train station, Jay was greeted by his friends, who immediately took him ...

Note the other small modifications that were needed to keep the sentence clear and grammatical: changing the verb form from active to passive and inserting the pronoun "who," etc.

Incorrect: Upon arriving at the train station, his friends greeted Jay and took him immediately to his speaking engagement in Springfield.

Correct: Upon arriving at the train station, Jay was greeted by his friends, who immediately took him to his speaking engagement in Springfield.

Misplaced modifiers won't always occur at the beginning of sentences; any descriptive phrase or clause is a potential misplaced modifier.

Descriptive phrases are not always set off by commas. These pronouns often indicate modifying phrases:

which (refers to things)
that
who (refers to people)
whose
whom

In addition to helping you identify modifying phrases, these pronouns can be helpful when you're trying to fix an awkwardly worded sentence

Sounds Funny: Joan's father, preferring meat to vegetables, made a breakfast of eggs and bacon every morning.

Better: Joan's father, who preferred meat to vegetables, made a breakfast of eggs and bacon every morning.

Sounds Funny: Your tea kettle, having a leak in the bottom, was thrown away last week.

Better: Your tea kettle, which had a leak in the bottom, was thrown away last week.

All four versions are grammatically correct, but the pronoun helps to clarify the sentence. This is especially important when two or more nouns precede the modifying phrase.

Note also the different uses of "who" and "which" in the examples above: "who" is used in the first example because it introduces a phrase that describes a person ("Joan's father"). "Which" is used to introduce a phrase that describes a thing (the "tea kettle"). "That" also is used to describe things, as opposed to people.

The words “only” and “almost” are often misplaced in GMAT sentences.

I only want to see you.

I want to see only you.

The first sentence means “I want to see you; I don’t want to do anything else with you.”  The second sentence means “I want to see no one but you.”  This is a significant change in meaning resulting from such a small change in word placement. 

	Don't forget! Its is the possessive of it, and it's is the contraction of it and is. The dog licked its paw. It's about to rain.

Test your comprehension with the following practice question.

The professor's consistent late arrival is offset somewhat by the remarkable quality of his lectures.

A) The professor's consistent late arrival
B) The consistent late arrival of the professor
C) The professor's consistently late arrival
D) Lately, the professor's arriving consistently
E) The professor's consistent late arriving

The professor's consistent late arrival is offset somewhat by the remarkable quality of his lecture.

Grammar issue presented: Modifiers (adjectives / adverbs)

There are several modifiers in this sentence: consistent, late, somewhat, and remarkable. In the underlined part of the sentence, we have the group consistent late arrival, where the adjective late correctly modifies the noun arrival, but the adjective consistent incorrectly modifies the adjective late. Adjectives cannot modify adjectives; only adverbs can modify adjectives. We need the adverb consistently.

Here's another example using a list of gerunds:

Incorrect: All business students should learn word processing, accounting, and how to program computers.

Correct: All business students should learn word processing, accounting, and computer programming.

The verb "to program" must be changed to "programming," because the rest of the verbs are already in the -ing form.

You'll often see lists of infinitives on the GMAT. These are the "to ___" verbs (to walk, to talk, to eat, to chat, to drink…). With infinitives, a very simple rule applies: the word "to" must either go either only before the first verb in the list, or before every verb in the list.

For example:

Correct: He likes to swim, to sail, and to dance.

Correct: He likes to swim, sail, and dance.

Incorrect: He likes to swim, sail, and to dance.

The first two sentences are equally acceptable variations. The third sentence is incorrect because it lacks consistency; the verb changes from to swim to sail, and then back to to dance. This violates the rules we've laid out.
 

	List of infinitives: Options To __________, __________, and __________. To __________, to __________, and to __________. The principle governing lists of infinitives applies to any words that might come before each item in a series: prepositions (in, on, by, with), articles (the, a, an), helping verbs (had, has, would) and possessives (his, her, our). Either repeat the word before every element in a series or include it only before the first item. Anything else violates the rules of parallelism.

 
Just like verbs, adverbs and adjectives in a list must agree. Descriptive words are easy to replace with wordy phrases, and test writers will try to trip you up by including a verb or phrase among a list of adjectives or adverbs:

On the morning of his fourth birthday, Johnny was giggly, energetic, and couldn't wait for the party to begin.

If you read through the sentence quickly, it might sound acceptable. However, the list includes one item that doesn't belong:
 

This looks to be a list of adjectives until you reach the third item in the list: it's not an adjective, it's a verb. The "list of adjectives" won't be complete until the last item falls into step with the others:
 

This example replaces the verb phrase couldn't wait with the descriptive phrase very eager — which indeed includes an adjective. Note that this list is parallel even though one of the items in the list is modified.

Watch for consistency in item type as well as consistency of form.

Incorrect: On the morning of his fourth birthday, Johnny was giggly, energetic and couldn't wait for the party to begin.

Correct: On the morning of his fourth birthday, Johnny was giggly, energetic and very eager for the party to begin.
 

Comparisons require both elements to be parallel. When you see comparison words or phrases such as "more than," "less than," "although," "rather than," etc, check to make sure the things being compared are grammatically parallel.

Incorrect: The professor published more papers last year than were published by all his colleagues combined.

Correct: The professor published more papers last year than all his colleagues combined.

For comparisons, the grammatical forms need to be balanced rather than identical. This means that while you need to include the same parts of speech in both elements of comparison, they do not necessarily need to be in the same order. The correct sentence above has one “noun + active verb” construction and one “active verb + noun” construction (the verb “did” is implied: than (did) all his colleagues combined).

Sometimes, you'll come across comparisons between multiple pronouns or a noun and a pronoun. In many cases, in order for the pronouns to be parallel, the pronouns must be identical.

Incorrect: Those who exercise in addition to maintaining a healthy diet are likely to be in better health than the people who maintain a healthy diet but don't exercise.

Correct: Those who exercise in addition to maintaining a healthy diet are likely to be in better health than those who maintain a healthy diet but don't exercise.

Here, people who exercise are being compared to people who don't exercise. In the first sentence, the pronoun "those who" in the first part of the sentence is matched with the noun "the people who" in the second part of the sentence. Notice how much cleaner and easier to understand the second sentence is, where the pronoun "those" stands in for "people" in both parts of the comparison.

Use the same pronoun for both elements of the comparison. Consider the sentence below:

Those who have strong work credentials and a college degree are more likely to be hired than one who has only the degree.

This sentence compares two types of people, but uses two different pronouns: "those" and "one."  This confuses the basis of comparison. The pronouns must match:

Those who have strong work credentials and a college degree are more likely to be hired than those who have only the degree.

OR

One who has strong work credentials and a college degree is more likely to be hired than one who has only the degree.

Both sentences are grammatically correct. It does not matter which pronoun you choose to use; all that matters is that they match, and that the verbs in the sentence agree with the chosen pronoun ("those" requires plural verbs, whereas "one" requires singular verbs).

Incorrect: Those who have strong work credentials and a college degree are more likely to be hired than one who has only the degree.

Correct: Those who have strong work credentials and a college degree are more likely to be hired than those who have only the degree.

Correct: One who has strong work credentials and a college degree is more likely to be hired than one who has only the degree.

Be consistent: whichever pronoun you choose, use it all the way through.

Correlative pairs such as either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, and whether…or also require parallelism. When you see one of these pairs in a sentence, check to make sure that the words or groups of words immediately following each conjunction are in the same form.

Consider the following sentence:

Either I will attend the show, or they will be attending.

This sentence uses the correlative pair "either…or" to present a set of two options. Are both in the same form? Compare the structures immediately following each conjunction:

(Either) I will attend: pronoun + future-tense verb

(or) they will be attending: pronoun + future-progressive-tense verb

Both constructions use a pronoun followed by a verb, but the verbs do not match.  Parallelism dictates that both verbs must be in the same form:

Either I will attend the show, or they will.

OR

Either I will be attending the show, or they will (be attending).

The first version has two future tense verbs, while the second version has two future progressive tense verbs.  Both tenses are appropriate for describing an event of some duration that will take place sometime in the future.

Incorrect: Either I will attend the show, or they will be attending.

Correct: Either I will attend the show, or they will.

Correct: Either I will be attending the show, or they will (be attending).

Both latter versions are correct.

Watch out for matching clauses or phrases with single words.

Consider the following sentence:

Not only has the captain assigned all his men to the case, but also a private detective.

This sentence reads well at first glance, but it contains a hidden grammar error.

Compare the structure of the groups of words following each conjunction in the "Not only…but also" pair:

(Not only) has the captain put all his men on the case: clause

(but also) a private detective: noun

These two structures definitely do not match. A better way to write this sentence is:

The captain has assigned to the case not only all his men, but also a private detective.

Here, "not only" and "but also" are both followed by nouns: "men" and "private detective." 

Alternatively, both can be followed by phrases:

The captain has not only assigned all his men to the case, but also hired a private detective.

Here, "not only" and "but also" are both followed by verb phrases: "assigned all his men" and "hired a private detective." Note that both verbs must be in the same form.

	Final tips on recognizing parallelism Look for: Lists Correlative pairs Comparisons using multiple pronouns

His coworkers praised both his determination and the way he paid attention to detail.

A) and the way he paid attention to detail
B) and also praised his attention to detail
C) and his attention to detail
D) they praised the way he paid attention to detail
E) also they praised his attention to detail

His coworkers praised both his determination and the way he paid attention to detail.

Grammar issue presented: Parallelism (correlative pairs)

This sentence uses the correlative pair "Both…and" to present two characteristics. Both characteristics should be in the same form, but one is a possessive pronoun + noun (his determination), while the other is a phrase (the way he paid attention to detail). We need another possessive pronoun + noun: "his attention to detail."

A) and the way he paid attention to detail
It is parallel? NO – his determination (pronoun + noun) / the way he paid attention to detail (phrase)

B) and also praised his attention to detail
Is it parallel? NO – his determination (pronoun + noun) / praised his attention to detail (verb phrase)

C) and his attention to detail
Is it parallel? YES – his determination (pronoun + noun) / his attention to detail (pronoun + noun)
Additional errors? NO

D) they praised the way he paid attention to detail
Is it parallel? NO – This choice lacks the second conjunction (and) in the correlative pair Both…and

E) also they praised his attention to detail
It is parallel? NO – This choice lacks the second conjunction (and) in the correlative pair Both…and

(C) is correct.

The art studio is spacious, pleasantly cluttered, and has good lighting.

A) and has good lighting
B) and being well-lit
C) and is lit well
D) and well-lit
E) and the lighting is good

The art studio is spacious, pleasantly cluttered, and has good lighting.

Grammar issue presented: Parallelism (lists of adjectives)

This sentence presents a list of qualities. The first two are adjectives (“spacious” and “pleasantly cluttered”), while the third is a verb phrase (“has good lighting”).  The third quality must also be an adjective.

A) and has good lighting
Is it parallel? NO – spacious, pleasantly cluttered (adjectives) : has good lighting (verb phrase)

B) and being well-lit
Is it parallel? NO – spacious, pleasantly cluttered (adjectives) : being well-lit (verb phrase)

C) and is lit well
Is it parallel? NO – spacious, pleasantly cluttered (adjectives) : is lit well (verb phrase)

D) and well-lit
Is it parallel? YES – spacious, pleasantly cluttered (adjectives) : well-lit (adjective)
Additional errors? NO

E) and the lighting is good
Is it parallel? NO – spacious, pleasantly cluttered (adjectives) : the lighting is good (clause)

(D) is correct.

The school board requested that a waiver be obtained and that the residency requirements are reviewed.

A) that the residency requirements are reviewed
B) the residency requirements will be reviewed
C) the residency requirements reviewed
D) to review the residency requirements
E) a review of the residency requirements

The school board requested that a waiver be obtained and that the residency requirements are reviewed.

Grammar issue presented: Parallelism (lists of verbs)

This sentence presents a list of two actions. The first verb, "be obtained," is in the passive voice and is governed by the idiom “request that x be y.” The second verb must also be in the form (be) reviewed.

A) that the residency requirements are reviewed
Is it parallel? NO – be obtained : are reviewed

B) the residency requirements will be reviewed
Is it parallel? NO – be obtained : will be reviewed

C) the residency requirements reviewed
Is it parallel? YES – be obtained : (be) reviewed
Additional errors? NO

D) to review the residency requirements
Is it parallel? NO – be obtained : to review

E) a review of the residency requirements
Is it parallel? NO – be obtained : a review

(C) is correct.

Some of the many renovations set for Memorial Field in the coming years include building additional seating, improving safety, and the construction of a new varsity athletics center.

(A) and the construction of a new varsity athletics center
(B) and constructing a new varsity athletics center
(C) and also the construction of a new varsity athletics center
(D) and a new varsity athletics center
(E) and a new varsity athletics center under construction

Some of the many renovations set for Memorial Field in the coming years include building additional seating, improving safety, and the construction of a new varsity athletics center.

Grammar issue presented: Parallelism (lists of verbs)

All items in a list must be parallel, meaning they must be in the same grammatical form. Every verb in the list must therefore take on an -ing ending.

A) and the construction of a new varsity athletics center
Is it parallel? NO – building : improving : the construction

B) and constructing a new varsity athletics center
Is it parallel? YES – building : improving : constructing
Additional errors? NO

C) and also the construction of a new varsity athletics center
Is it parallel? NO – building : improving : the construction

D) and a new varsity athletics center
Is it parallel? NO – building : improving : a new varsity athletics center

E) and a new varsity athletics center under construction
Is it parallel? NO – building : improving : a new varsity athletics center

(B) is correct.

Richard is not only a terrific pianist, but also great at playing hockey.

A) Richard is not only a terrific pianist, but also great at playing hockey.
B) Richard not only is a terrific pianist, but is also great at playing hockey.
C) Not only great at playing hockey, Richard also is a terrific pianist.
D) Richard is not only a terrific pianist, but also a great hockey player.
E) Also great at playing hockey, Richard is a terrific pianist.

Richard is not only a terrific pianist, but also great at playing hockey.

Grammar issue presented: Parallelism (correlative pairs)

“Not only…but also” is a correlative pair, so the elements immediately following each conjunction must be parallel.

A) Richard is not only a terrific pianist, but also great at playing hockey.
Is it parallel? NO – a terrific pianist (noun) : great at playing hockey (adjective)

B) Richard not only is a terrific pianist, but is also great at playing hockey.
Is it parallel? NO – is a terrific pianist (verb) : great at playing hockey (adjective)

C) Not only great at playing hockey, Richard also is a terrific pianist.
Is it parallel? NO – great at playing hockey (adjective) / is a terrific pianist (verb)

D) Richard is not only a terrific pianist, but also a great hockey player.
Is it parallel? YES – a terrific pianist (noun) : a great hockey player (noun)
Additional errors? NO

E) Also great at playing hockey, Richard not only is a terrific pianist.
Is it parallel? NO – great at playing hockey (adjective) / is a terrific pianist (verb)

(D) is correct.

The philosophical doctrine of Incompatibility posits an inherent irreconcilability among the doctrine of Determinism, which holds that each state of affairs is necessitated by the states of affairs that preceded it, and the existence of free will.

A) among the doctrine of Determinism, which holds that each state of affairs is necessitated by the states of affairs that preceded it, and the existence of free will
B) between the doctrine of Determinism, holding each state of affairs as necessitated by the states of affairs that preceded it, and free will existing
C) in the doctrine of Determinism, which holds the idea that each state of affairs is necessitated by the states of affairs preceding, and the existence of free will
D) between the doctrine of Determinism, which holds that each state of affairs is necessitated by the states of affairs preceding it, and the existence of free will
E) among the doctrine of Determinism, which holds that each state of affairs may be necessitated by the states of affairs preceding it, and free will existing

The philosophical doctrine of Incompatibility posits an inherent irreconcilability among the doctrine of Determinism, which holds that each state of affairs is necessitated by the states of affairs that preceded it, and the existence of free will.

Grammar issue presented: Word Choice and Parallelism (comparisons)

When comparing only two things, the proper word to use is between, not among, which is used in reference to more than two things. Furthermore, the construction “between x and y” requires that x and y be parallel.

A) among the doctrine of Determinism, which holds that each state of affairs is necessitated by the states of affairs that preceded it, and the existence of free will
Correct word choice? NO – this comparison should use the word “between” (not “among”)
Is it parallel? YES – the doctrine of Determinism (noun phrase) : the existence of free will (noun phrase)

B) between the doctrine of Determinism, holding each state of affairs as necessitated by the states of affairs that preceded it, and free will existing
Correct word choice? YES – this comparison uses the word “between”
Is it parallel? NO – the doctrine of Determinism (noun phrase) : free will existing (verb phrase)

C) in the doctrine of Determinism, which holds the idea that each state of affairs is necessitated by the states of affairs preceding, and the existence of free will
Correct word choice? NO – this choice lacks the word “between”
Is it parallel? YES – the doctrine of Determinism (noun phrase) : the existence of free will (noun phrase)

D) between the doctrine of Determinism, which holds that each state of affairs is necessitated by the states of affairs preceding it, and the existence of free will
Correct word choice? YES – this comparison uses the word “between”
Is it parallel? YES – the doctrine of Determinism (noun phrase) : the existence of free will (noun phrase)

E) among the doctrine of Determinism, which holds that each state of affairs may be necessitated by the states of affairs preceding it, and free will existing
Correct word choice? NO – this comparison should use the word “between” (not “among”)
Is it parallel? NO – the doctrine of Determinism (noun phrase) : free will existing (verb phrase)

Pronouns stand in for nouns in a sentence. When replacing any noun (Matt, the cheerleader, the chair) with a pronoun (he, she, it), the pronoun must match the noun it is replacing, or the antecedent.

The first step in tackling a pronoun question is to locate and identify the pronouns in the sentence. Study the chart below, which includes some common English pronouns.

	Subject/Object Pronouns Possessives Subject Object Adjective Pronoun I me my mine you you your yours he him his his she her her hers it it its its we us our ours they them their theirs everyone everyone everyone's everyone's

This chapter will help you to become more familiar with the different pronoun types and will show you how to use them.  Review the following examples.

1. She bought the rights to the film last week, hoping to make lots of money off it.

              First pronoun: She (antecedent: unspecified female)
              Second pronoun: it (antecedent: “the film”)

2. On the way to her meeting, the executive bought a cup of coffee and proceeded to spill it all over her coat.

               First pronoun: her (antecedent: “the executive”)
               Second pronoun: it (antecedent: “a cup of coffee”)

3. Everyone gathered at the meeting spot, anxiously awaiting their assignments.

              Note: their (antecedent: the same unspecified group of people) functions as an adjective.

4. Running towards the building, he hoped to catch a glimpse of them somewhere inside it.

                First pronoun: he (antecedent: unspecified male)
                Second pronoun: them (antecedent: unspecified group of people)
                Third pronoun: it (antecedent: “the building”)

Once you’ve found a pronoun, check to see whether it’s acting as the SUBJECT or the OBJECT of the sentence or clause.

This aspect of pronoun formation is called case (objective/subjective/possessive).

Subject Pronouns
Just like the nouns they replace, pronouns can be the subject or object of the main verb. Pronouns that are the subject take the subjective case:

In each case, the subject is the person/pronoun doing the action. Since it is the subject, the pronoun takes the subjective case: he, she, they, etc.

Object Pronouns
Pronouns that are the object take the objective case:

Above, the pronouns in bold are all acting as objects of the main verb. Objects of the main verb take the objective case: it, him, them, etc.

Personal Pronouns: Subject and Object Forms

The first step in working with pronouns is to identify any pronoun(s) in the sentence. 

See if you can locate the pronouns in the following sentence:

How could she blame you and he for the accident?

Answer: There are three pronouns in this sentence: she,you, and he.

The next two steps can be done in any order. You need to identify the antecedent of each pronoun and determine whether it is acting as subject or object of the main verb. In the sentence above, three different pronouns are used to refer to three different people: she (the person doing the blaming, a female), and you and he (the two people she blames; one is male, and the other’s gender is unspecified).

You can use this information to determine the role of each pronoun in the sentence. The person doing the action (she, or the blamer) is the subject of the sentence, whereas the people receiving the action (you and he, or the people being blamed) are the objects:

Now that we have identified the pronouns and their roles in the sentence, the final step is to determine whether the pronouns are in the correct form.  The first two pronouns in this sentence are correct: she is the subjective form of the her/she pronoun, and you takes the same form for the objective and subjective cases, so it is also correct. However, he is not in the correct form: it is acting as the object of the sentence, but it is in the subjective form. We need the objective form of the pronoun, him.

Both pronouns acting as objects must be in the objective case: you and him.

Hint: If you are having trouble remembering whether he or him is the objective form, turn the sentence into a question: “Whom did she blame?” The answer will give you the correct pronoun: “She blamed him.”

Incorrect: How could she blame you and he for the accident?

Correct: How could she blame you and him for the accident?

Let's look at another example:

Incorrect: Her was better suited for the job.

Correct: She was better suited for the job.

Here, the pronoun is the subject of the sentence. Because the pronoun stands in for some woman, it must be feminine and in the subjective case: She.

Remember: Personal pronouns in the subject and object form must agree with their antecedents in number and gender.

Pronouns and Compound Subjects: Me or I?

One special case that often causes confusion is a compound noun involving a noun and the personal pronoun (me / I).  Consider the following sentence:

John and me drank a bottle of wine.

Which is the correct pronoun in this case: me or I? This pair is often confused in both spoken and written English due to the seeming complication of adding another subject into the mix. But it's actually quite simple to remember when to use "me," and when to use "I": cross out everything in the "someone else and me/I" phrase except the pronoun. The correct pronoun is the one that leaves you with a grammatical sentence.

"Me drank a bottle of wine" sounds wrong so the proper pronoun is clearly "I."

Incorrect: John and me drank a bottle of wine.

Correct: John and I drank a bottle of wine.

Let's try it again on the following sentence:

The dinner was eaten by John and I.

This sentence has a passive verb, so it’s harder to tell whether the compound noun is subject or object. Perform the test to find out:

The dinner was eaten by John and I.

or

The dinner was eaten by John and me.

The second sentence is grammatically correct: “The dinner was eaten by…me.” This test works for many instances of misused pronouns, but you should become familiar with the subject/object pronoun chart.

Incorrect: The dinner was eaten by John and I .

Correct: The dinner was eaten by John and me.

	Summary: Subject/Object Pronouns in Three Steps 1. Identify any pronouns in the sentence relating to the main verb. 2. Identify the antecedent of each pronoun and its role in the sentence: is it the subject or object of the main verb? For compound subjects, cross out the other subject plus the word and. 3. Check to see that the pronoun is in the correct case: subjective for subject pronouns and objective for object pronouns. In addition, subject and object pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number (singular or plural) and gender (masculine, feminine, or neuter).

This section discusses the interrogative pronouns who and whom. When these pronouns are used to mean “which or what individual(s),” you must always check to see whether they are acting as the subject or the object of the verb. If the pronoun is acting as a subject, use who. If it is acting as an object, use whom.

You will often see these pronouns in questions and answers.  Consider the following sentence:

I don't know whom Kate married.

In this sentence, the pronoun whom acts as a placeholder for an unknown person – whoever it is whom Kate married. To determine whether this pronoun is acting as the subject or object of the verb, try rearranging the sentence into a question, and then answer it. The form of the answer will tell you which version of the pronoun to use, subjective or objective. Let's try it:

Question: Who/m did Kate marry?

Answer: Kate married him.

You wouldn't say "Kate married he." Since the pronoun used in the answer is the objective "him," the pronoun in the original sentence should also be in the objective case: whom.

Incorrect: I don’t know who Kate married.

Correct: I don’t know whom Kate married.

Here's another one to try:

Who took out the trash?

Because the sentence is already a question, all you need to do is answer the question.

Question: Who/m took out the trash?

Answer: He took out the trash.

The person taking out the trash is the subject of the sentence. You wouldn't say "Him took out the trash," because "him" is objective. The indefinite pronoun must be in the subjective case: Who.

Incorrect: Whom took out the trash?

Correct: Who took out the trash?

	The interrogative pronouns who and whom take different forms in the subject and object positions. Follow these steps: 1. Run the “question test” to determine whether who/whom is acting as a subject or object. 2.  Correct the form if necessary. If it is the subject, use who. If it is the object, use whom.

Pronouns also act like nouns in the realm of verb agreement. When you check for subject-verb agreement, you must see if the noun and verb match in terms of number: they both must be either singular or plural. Similarly, when a pronoun is the subject of the sentence, it must agree with the main verb in number.

Like nouns, singular pronouns take singular verbs and plural pronouns take plural verbs. All personal pronouns except for you change form according to whether they are singular or plural:

Other pronouns are either always singular or always plural:

	These pronouns are always singular: anyone either neither what anything everyone no one whatever each everything nothing whoever These pronouns are always plural: both many several others few

When a pronoun is the subject of the sentence, you must check to see that it agrees with the main verb in number. This means that you must be able to recognize the singular and plural forms of each pronoun on sight.

Everyone on the project (has / have) to come to the meeting.

There is only one pronoun in this sentence: "Everyone." It is acting as the subject of the sentence, so we must check for agreement with the main verb, "have to come."

Referring to the chart above, you see that the pronoun "everyone" is singular. But the verb "have" is plural!  We need the singular form of the verb: "has to come." 

Let’s try another one:

Many have tried, but few people (has / have) been able to solve the puzzle.

This sentence contains two pronouns, "Many" (subject of the first clause) and "few" (subject of the second clause). Each of these pronouns is considered a plural pronoun, so each must have a plural verb have.
 

Subject-Verb Agreement: Compound Subjects

Sometimes, you will see a compound subject where one subject is a noun and the other is a pronoun. In these cases, the verb must agree in number with whichever subject is closer to it. Consider the following sentence:

Neither he nor his bodyguards (we / were) there.

Here, there are two subjects, "he" and "his bodyguards," joined by the correlative conjunction "Neither…nor." As covered in an earlier section of this chapter, the constructions "either... or" and "neither… nor" require the verb to agree with the subject that is closer to it. The verb must agree with the plural noun bodyguards, so the plural verb were is correct. 

But what if the situation were reversed as in the following sentence?

Neither his bodyguards nor he (were / was) there. 

Here, the singular pronoun "he" is closer to the verb, so the verb needs to be singular, too: "has."

In both cases, the sentence is correct when the verb agrees with the subject – whether noun or pronoun – that is closest to it.

	Summary: Singular/Plural Subject Pronouns in Three Steps 1. Identify any subject pronouns in the sentence. Look out for compound subjects and pronouns that are always singular or always plural. 2. Identify the main verb. Is it singular or plural? 3. Check to see that the pronoun matches the main verb in number: singular with singular, plural with plural. For compound subjects, the verb should match the subject that is closer to it. If necessary, correct the error.

Margaret put her coat on, and Paul put his on, too.

In the sentence above, there is one possessive pronoun, his, which refers to Paul. Paul is a masculine, singular noun, so we use the corresponding pronoun his – also masculine and singular. The word her, which refers to Margaret, is a possessive adjective because it modifies the noun coat. Contrast this with the pronoun his, which stands in for the noun phrase Paul’s coat.

Most possessive pronouns are used sloppily in spoken language, so take special note when you see one mixed in among other pronouns. Sometimes, the antecedent will be another pronoun.

Possessive Pronouns with Personal Pronoun Antecedents

Possessive pronouns sometimes have personal pronoun antecedents. When this happens, the possessive pronoun needs to match its antecedent in person and number, but not case. Personal pronouns have three different cases: subjective, objective, and possessive. If the antecedent of a pronoun indicating possession is another pronoun (in either subjective or objective form),