Subject-Verb Agreement

Master subject-verb agreement rules frequently tested in TOEFL Reading and Reading.

Subject-verb agreement means the verb must match the subject in number (singular/plural).

Singular subject → singular verb: *The manager approves the budget.*

Plural subject → plural verb: *The managers approve the budget.*

Pattern	Rule	Example
S + prepositional phrase + V	Verb agrees with S, not the object of preposition	The list of items was reviewed.
Each / Every / Either / Neither	Always singular	Each employee has a badge.
Both / Several / Many / Few	Always plural	Several applicants were selected.
Either A or B / Neither A nor B	Verb agrees with B (nearest)	Neither the CEO nor the directors have signed.
The number of	Singular	The number of complaints has decreased.
A number of	Plural	A number of employees are absent.
Gerund/Infinitive as subject	Singular	Managing multiple projects requires experience.

TOEFL Trap: Long modifiers between subject and verb are designed to confuse you. Always find the true subject!

Examples

The results of the survey indicate a high level of satisfaction. — 설문 조사 결과는 높은 수준의 만족도를 나타냅니다.
Each of the participants has received a certificate. — 참가자 각각이 수료증을 받았습니다.
The number of applicants has increased significantly. — 지원자 수가 크게 증가했습니다.
A number of employees are working remotely this week. — 많은 직원들이 이번 주 원격 근무 중입니다.

TOEFL Tip:

When you see a blank for a verb in Reading, find the TRUE subject first — ignore prepositional phrases between them.