Page 628 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

If no one comes to their yard sale, Pat and Amy will donate the
goods to charity. (The subject no one is singular, as is the verb

comes.)

Each of the party guests has been asked to bring an inexpensive

gag gift. (The singular verb has been asked agrees with the

singular subject each. The plural object of the preposition, guests,
does not affect the verb.)

Practice 13-5 Making Verbs Agree with

Indefinite Pronouns

In each of the following sentences, cross out prepositional phrases

and underline the verb that agrees with the indefinite pronoun subject.

1. Neither of the contestants (was, were) prepared to lose.

2. Everybody on the street (pass, passes) the homeless man

without a backward glance.

3. No one in any of my classes (has, have) taken a class from Dr.

Mason.
4. Something on the bottom of Sidney’s shoes (makes, make)

them stick to the floor as he walks.

5. Everything on the table (looks, look) good to me.

Subject Following the Verb