Verbs

Subject/Verb agreement

A singular subject must have a singular verb; a plural subject must have a plural verb.

Example	Explanation
A contract is required.	The subject (contract) is singular, therefore the verb (is - to be) must also be singular.
These instructions are mandatory.	The subject (instructions) is plural, therefore the verb (are - to be) must also be plural.

The subject and verb must agree in number even though they may be separated by intervening phrases and clauses.

Example	Explanation
The file containing the entered invoices is delivered to Central Records.	The subject (file, and not invoices) is singular, therefore the verb (is - to be) must also be singular.

Use a singular verb with each, every, everyone, either, neither, nobody, no one, anyone, another, one, somebody, someone, and much.

Example Explanation

Everyone is required to attend this meeting. The group (everyone) is acting as a single unit so a singular verb is used.
Use a plural verb after both, few, many, others, and several.

Example Explanation

The original and the authorized copy are both given to the customer. Both refers to two separate things (the original and the copy) and so a plural verb is used.