Cheat Sheet de Conjugação Verbal em Inglês
Singular and Plural Subjects
Singular subjects require singular verbs.
Plural subjects require plural verbs.
Example (Singular): The dog barks.
Example (Plural): The dogs bark.
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
The verb agrees with its subject, not with a pronoun that refers to the subject.
Example: Neither of the players has a gym pass.
Pronoun "Neither" is singular, hence the singular verb "has."
Indefinite Pronouns
Some indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural, depending on the context.
Singular Example: Somebody has left the door open.
Plural Example: Many have arrived early.
Collective Nouns
A collective noun gets a singular verb when the group is considered one unit.
It gets a plural verb when the individuals are acting separately.
Singular Example: The committee decides on the issue.
Plural Example: The committee argue among themselves.
Compound Subjects Joined by 'And'
Generally use a plural verb.
Example: The cat and the dog are friendly.
Exception: When considering a singular unit, use a singular verb.
Exception Example: Macaroni and cheese is my favorite dish.
Subjects Joined by 'Or' or 'Nor'
The verb agrees with the subject closest to the verb.
Example: Neither the teacher nor the students like the textbook.
Collective Nouns as Subjects
When the group acts in unison, use a singular verb.
Example: The team is winning the game.
When the members act independently, use a plural verb.
Example: The team are dressing in their separate rooms.
Titles, Company Names, and Other Singular Entities
Titles of single entities (books, organizations) take a singular verb.
Example: The New York Times is a reputable source.
Amounts, Distances, and Periods of Time
These are usually singular when considered as a single unit.
Example: Ten dollars is a high fee for charging.
Inverted Sentences
Ensure the verb agrees with the subject, not with the subject complement.
Example: Into the room walks a lion.
There and Here Statements
Ignore 'there' and 'here' when determining subject-verb agreement.
Example: There is a problem with the computer.
Interrupting Phrases
Do not affect the verb.
Example: The teacher, along with the students, was shocked by the news.
The Rule of Proximity
Sometimes the verb agrees with the nearest subject, especially in informal speech.
Example: The number of applicants is decreasing.
Subjects Such as 'Each', 'Each One', 'Either', 'Neither', 'Everyone', 'Everybody'
Always take singular verbs.
Example: Each of the players wants to win.
Fractions and Percentages
The verb agrees with the noun following the fraction or percentage.
Example: Half of the pie is gone. (Pie is singular.)
Example: Fifty percent of the pies have been eaten. (Pies is plural.)
Nouns Such as 'Scissors', 'Trousers', 'Glasses'
These plural nouns take a plural verb.
Example: The scissors are on the table.
Consistency Is Key
Maintain consistency of verb usage once established in content.
Example: The faculty is in agreement. Do not switch to: The faculty are having their own opinions.
Singular Emphasis vs. Plural Emphasis
Decide if the emphasis is on a single unit or individual components and choose the verb accordingly.
Example: The majority is in favor. (singular)
Example: The majority are wearing red. (plural)
Regional Differences
Be aware of differences in British and American usage.
Example (British): The team win every match.
Example (American): The team wins every match.
Avoiding Agreement Errors
Check sentences carefully in editing, as subject-verb agreement errors can be less noticeable but still incorrect.
Example: Everyone in the choir sings well.