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e. Rule 5
While in rule 5, Straus 2008 mentions that when a singular and plural subject are connected by eitheror or neithernor, put the plural subject last and
use a plural verb p. 3 Example:
Neither Mike nor the others are here. When using neithereither, the plural subject is put on the last then followed by
plural verb, are.
f. Rule 6
Straus 2008 states that as a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they are connected by and p. 3.
Example: A car and a bike are my means of transportation.
The subject car and bike become they, and it is followed by plural verb, are.
g. Rule 7
According to Straus 2008 sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by words such as along with, as well as, besides, or not. Ignore these
expressions when determining whether to use a singular or plural verb p. 3. Examples:
Excitement, as well as nervousness, is the cause of her shaking. The following word after the word excitement is ignored and followed by the
singular verb.
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h. Rule 8
Straus 2008 states that the pronouns each, everyone, every one, everybody, anyone, anybody, someone, and somebody are singular and require
singular verbs p. 4. Example:
Each of the girls sings well. The word each of the girls followed by singular verb, sings.
i. Rule 9
Straus 2008 mentions about the words that indicate portions. With words that indicate portions
—percent, fraction, part, majority, some, all, none, remainder, and so forth, look at the noun in your of phrase
object of the preposition to determine whether to use a singular or plural verb. If the object of the preposition is singular, use a singular verb. If the
object of the preposition is plural, use a plural verb. p. 3.
Examples: Fifty percent of the pie has disappeared.
Pie is the object of the preposition of. It is followed by singular verb. Fifty percent of the pies have disappeared.
Pies is the object of the preposition. It is followed by plural verb.
j. Rule 10
Furthermore, Straus 2008 states when either and neither are subjects, they always take singular verbs p. 5.
Examples: Neither of them is available to speak right now.
Either of us is capable of doing the job.