Three Subject Verb Disagreement

Mastering the Tricky Trio: Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement with Three Subjects

Subject-verb agreement, the grammatical rule dictating that a verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject, often presents challenges. While simple with single subjects, complexities arise when dealing with multiple subjects, particularly when three or more are involved. This article delves into the intricacies of subject-verb agreement with three subjects, providing clear explanations, examples, and addressing common pitfalls. Mastering this skill enhances writing clarity and grammatical accuracy, essential for effective communication.

Introduction to Subject-Verb Agreement

Before tackling the complexities of three subjects, let's establish the fundamental principle. A singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. For instance:

• Singular: The dog barks loudly.
• Plural: The dogs bark loudly.

The challenge arises when combining multiple subjects. Understanding how these subjects relate grammatically dictates the correct verb form.

Subject-Verb Agreement with Three Subjects: The Basic Rules

When dealing with three subjects, the basic rule remains: the verb agrees with the combined number of the subjects. If the subjects are all singular, the verb is usually plural. If at least one subject is plural, the verb is also plural. Let's illustrate:

• The cat, the dog, and the bird all sleep soundly. (Three singular subjects, plural verb)
• The cats, the dog, and the bird chase the ball. (Two plural subjects, one singular, plural verb)
• The cat, the dogs, and the birds play together. (One singular subject, two plural subjects, plural verb)

These scenarios are straightforward, demonstrating the fundamental principle of plural verb usage with multiple subjects. However, several nuances can complicate this seemingly simple rule.

Complicating Factors in Subject-Verb Agreement with Three Subjects

Several grammatical structures and exceptional cases can make subject-verb agreement with three subjects more challenging. These include:

1. Compound Subjects Joined by "And": The conjunction "and" generally indicates a plural subject, requiring a plural verb.

• The teacher, the students, and the principal are attending the conference.

However, there are exceptions. If the compound subject refers to a single entity or concept, it takes a singular verb:

• My favourite dessert, peanut butter and jelly, is always a crowd-pleaser. (Peanut butter and jelly are treated as a single dish)

2. Compound Subjects Joined by "Or" or "Nor": When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the closest subject.

• Neither the students nor the teacher understands the complex equation. (Verb agrees with "teacher")
• Either the teacher or the students are responsible for the cleanup. (Verb agrees with "students")

3. Collective Nouns: Collective nouns (like team, family, group) can be singular or plural depending on the context. If the noun refers to the group as a single unit, use a singular verb. If the noun refers to the individual members of the group, use a plural verb.

• The team is playing well this season. (Team as a unit)
• The team are arguing amongst themselves. (Individual members of the team)

The same principle applies when dealing with three collective nouns:

• The team, the choir, and the orchestra are performing at the festival. (Referring to the individual members of each group)
• The team, the choir, and the orchestra each presents a unique challenge to manage. (Referring to each group as a single unit.)

4. Intervening Phrases: Phrases or clauses between the subject and the verb do not affect subject-verb agreement. Ignore these phrases when determining the verb form.

• The teacher, along with her students and their parents, is attending the school play. (The subject is "teacher," which is singular)
• The books, including the novels and textbooks, are stacked neatly on the shelf. (The subject is "books," which is plural)

5. Indefinite Pronouns: Indefinite pronouns (such as everyone, someone, nobody, each, either, neither) are always singular and take singular verbs.

• Everyone in the class is expected to participate.
• Neither of the twins wants to go first.

When using three indefinite pronouns, the same rule applies:

• Neither the teacher, nor the students, nor the principal wants to deal with the issue.

6. Units of Measurement: Units of measurement usually take a singular verb.

• Ten kilograms of flour is needed for the recipe.
• Five miles is too far to walk.
• Two thousand dollars is a substantial amount. Using this same rule:
• Two thousand dollars, one hundred euros, and twenty pounds is all that is left in the account.

7. Fractional Amounts: Similar to units of measurement, fractional amounts usually take a singular verb.

• Two-thirds of the cake is gone.
• One-half of the students are absent. However, it is worth noting here that if the fraction refers to a countable number, the verb can be plural.
• One-half of the apples are rotten.

8. Titles of Works: Titles of books, movies, songs, etc., are treated as singular and take singular verbs.

• "The Lord of the Rings" is a beloved fantasy trilogy.
• "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma" are three of my favorite novels.

Applying the Rules: Examples with Three Subjects

Let's solidify our understanding with more complex examples encompassing the complicating factors discussed above:

1. The artist, along with her assistants and her manager, is preparing for the exhibition. (Intervening phrase; the subject is "artist")

2. Neither the director, nor the actors, nor the crew was satisfied with the final cut. (Subjects joined by "nor"; verb agrees with the closest subject, which is "crew.")

3. My favourite hobbies, painting, hiking and reading, are what keep me relaxed. (Compound subject joined by "and," considered a single unit, but the verb is plural because it's the individual things that keep the speaker relaxed.)

4. The committee, the board, and the executive team are currently discussing the merger. (Collective nouns; the verb is plural because the sentence refers to the individuals within each group.)

5. Either the red car, the blue truck, or the green van is parked illegally. (Subjects joined by "or"; verb agrees with the closest subject, "van.")

6. Two gallons of paint, three rolls of wallpaper and twenty square feet of trim are needed to complete the room’s renovation. (Units of measurement; treated as singular subjects, though this can be seen as stylistic choice.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if I have more than three subjects? The same principles apply. The verb will agree with the combined number of the subjects.

Q: What if the subjects have different numbers (e.g., singular and plural)? The verb agrees with the closest subject when using "or" or "nor". Otherwise, if at least one subject is plural, the entire subject group is treated as plural.

Q: Can I use a singular verb even if I have plural subjects for stylistic reasons? While technically incorrect, this approach might be acceptable in certain informal contexts, but it should be avoided in formal writing. Always strive for grammatical accuracy.

Q: How can I improve my understanding of subject-verb agreement? Practice! Work through various exercises, review grammar rules, and pay attention to subject-verb agreement in your reading.

Conclusion: Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement with three subjects requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of grammatical rules. While initially challenging, with practice and attention to the nuances discussed in this article, you'll master this essential element of grammatical accuracy. Consistent practice and mindful editing will improve your writing, creating clear, concise, and grammatically correct sentences. Remember that accurate subject-verb agreement is crucial for effective communication, building credibility and enhancing the impact of your writing. By consistently applying the rules and understanding the exceptions, you’ll navigate the complexities of three (or more!) subjects with confidence and precision. Remember to review these rules regularly and practice identifying and correcting subject-verb agreement errors in your own writing and the writing of others. The more you practice, the more intuitive this skill will become.